The Greek Orthodox Parish of Milan honored the memory of those who fell during the Cypriot tragedy of 1974 on Sunday, October 13, 2024, by organizing the first official commemoration event for the city of Milan and all of Italy.
The memorial ceremonies took place at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Lord and the Akathist Hymn. In the morning, the Matins and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated with great solemnity, followed by an official memorial service for the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Attendees at this sacred ceremony included, among others, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Italy, Mr. Georgios Christofides, the Economic and Commercial Affairs Counselor, Ms. Betty Larda, as well as a large congregation of faithful.
In the afternoon, the church courtyard hosted a moving event titled “HYMN OF MEMORY AND HOPE,” led by Archimandrite Ioannis Batsis, with the support of his team. Father Ioannis warmly welcomed the attendees and began the event with an opening address. This was followed by speeches from distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Georgios Christofides, the Consul General of Greece in Milan and Archon of the Great Church of Christ, Mr. Nikolaos Sakkaris, and the President of the Greek Community of Milan, Ms. Sofia Zafeiropoulou.
The event honored the sacrifice of the heroes of 1974. During the proceedings, the book by Ms. Vivian Avramidou, titled “The Shame,” was presented. An audiovisual tribute followed, and the evening concluded with live music and songs dedicated to Cyprus and its unforgettable homelands. Among the artists participating in the musical tribute were Mr. Dimitrios Kalomoiris, Ms. Olga Lefa, Ms. Stefania Plitsi, Mr. Vangelis Kalyvas, and Mr. Stelios Margaritis, who traveled from Greece. In the end, the parish offered refreshments to all attendees, with the contributions provided generously by the women of the parish.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
