Commemorations have taken place in Melbourne for the 51st black anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus on 20 July 1974 — which followed a treacherous coup on the island.

A memorial service was held at the Church of St Eustathios in South Melbourne, led by Fr Kyprianos followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

Representing the Republic of Cyprus in Australia was the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Andreas Grigoriou, accompanied by Cyprus’ High Commissioner, Mr Antonis Sammoutis.

Following the service, officials and community members moved to the Australian Hellenic Memorial for a brief ceremony and wreath-laying in honour of fallen soldiers — Cypriots and Greeks, known and unknown.

Mr Grigoriou expressed his deep honour and emotion at representing Cyprus at the commemorative events in Australia. He condemned the Turkish invasion and paid tribute to the heroes and martyrs, the missing persons, and the displaced.

He emphasised that the Republic of Cyprus continues to work towards a future that respects the human rights of all the island’s residents.

Also addressing the gathering was SEKA (Coordinating Committee for the Cyprus Struggle) President Antonis Kyriakou, who stated that the message of the day must be the reunification of Cyprus into a single state, with the immediate return of refugees under the banner: “I Do Not Forget – I Fight”.

The role of master of ceremonies was fulfilled by SEKA Secretary Yiannis Milidis.

At 3pm, the program continues at the premises of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne with a speech by Mr Grigoriou, the launch of a new book on Cyprus, a photography exhibition, and a cultural performance.

Mr Grigoriou is also scheduled to attend similar commemorative events in other states.

The commemorations have been organised by local SEKA branches in collaboration with Cypriot communities.

Wreath-laying participants
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Fr Kyprianos
• Republic of Cyprus & High Commission – Mr Andreas Grigoriou and Mr Antonis Sammoutis
• SEKA Victoria – President Mr Antonis Kyriakou
• EOKA 1955–59 – President Mr Dimitris Komodromou
• Union of Communities and Parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – President Mr Antonis Tsourdalakis
• Greek Community of Melbourne & Victoria – Board member Dr Spyridoula Dimitriou
• Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria – Secretary Ms Anastasia Sarakini
• Greek Cypriot Community of Apostle Andreas, Sunshine – Vice President Mr Sotiris Stylianou
• Northern Suburbs Cypriot Community – President Mr Yiannis Christou
• Hellenic Cypriot Parents & Youth Association, Sunshine – President Mr Andreas Christodoulou
• Youth of the Cyprus Community and NEPOMAK – Mr Giorgos Gavriil and Mr Dimitris Kyriakidis
• Pan-Macedonian Federation of Australia & Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia – Board member Ms Voula Tsarouhidou
• Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens of Melbourne – Former President Mr Yiannis Kostoulias
• St Therapon Charitable Association of Australia & Northcote Greek Community – Mr Kypros Kyprianou
• Pan-Arcadian Association of Melbourne ‘Kolokotronis’ & Pan-Arcadian Federation – Ms Emilia Kazakou and Ms Betty Dimitropoulou
• Australian Hellenic Memorial Committee – Secretary Mr Panagiotis Andrianopoulos
• Pegasus Dance Academy – Sotiris and Maria Sotiriou