President Christodoulides participated in the feast of Saint Demetrios, the beloved patron saint of Thessaloniki, on Sunday, joining a significant gathering of dignitaries and local authorities.
- President Christodoulides participated in the feast of Saint Demetrios, the beloved patron saint of Thessaloniki, on Sunday, joining a significant gathering of dignitaries and local authorities.
Christodoulides: Significant Attendance and Ceremonial Events
At the invitation of local officials, President Christodoulides attended the celebration alongside the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas. The event began with Christodoulides visiting the church of Saint Demetrios at 11 am to partake in an official thanksgiving service.
The ceremony saw the presence of both heads of state and senior Greek officials, highlighting the importance of the occasion. Following the service, President Christodoulides addressed the audience, reflecting on the historic connections between Cyprus and Greece.
Reflections on Cyprus and Reunification
In his address, President Christodoulides emphasised the shared goals and aspirations of Athens and Nicosia, particularly concerning the ongoing issues faced by Cyprus. He remarked, “Fifty-one years after the Turkish occupation, parts of Cyprus remain under foreign control.”
Christodoulides underscored the urgency for action, stating, “As long as this situation continues, we must take every action to restore our homeland.” He expressed his honour in representing the Greek Cypriot community during the thanksgiving for Saint Demetrios and the liberation of Thessaloniki.
Honouring Historical Ties
During his speech, he acknowledged the historical presence of Cypriots in Macedonia, reinforcing the cultural and historical bonds that link the two nations. The feast not only celebrates a religious figure but also serves as a reminder of the enduring ties that bind Cyprus and Greece.
Official Luncheon and Military Presence
Following the morning service, President Christodoulides attended an official luncheon hosted by General Demetrios Houpis, the chief of the Hellenic national defence general staff, and Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis, who commands the supreme military command of Epirus-Macedonia. This gathering took place at the officers’ club in Thessaloniki, further solidifying the collaborative relationship between Greece and Cyprus.
Inauguration of Cypriot Studies Chair
Later in the day, at 5 pm, President Christodoulides was scheduled to inaugurate the chair of Cypriot studies at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This event coincided with the university’s annual ceremony celebrating the feast of Saint Demetrios, the 113th anniversary of Thessaloniki’s liberation, and the commemoration of Greece’s resistance in 1940.
During this ceremony, honorary medals were expected to be awarded to both the presidents of Cyprus and Greece, recognising their contributions to their respective nations. The President was also set to deliver a keynote speech that would encapsulate the day’s themes of unity and remembrance.
Presidential Delegation and Return to Cyprus
President Christodoulides was accompanied to Thessaloniki by the director of the presidential press office, Victor Papadopoulos, along with senior administrative officials. His visit underscores the commitment of the Cypriot leadership to maintaining strong relations with Greece.
The President is expected to return to Cyprus late on Sunday evening, concluding a day filled with meaningful ceremonies that not only honoured a revered saint but also reinforced the historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
