The Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee of NSW (SEKA NSW) held a heartfelt memorial and wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, July 27, to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus.
The day began with a moving memorial service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, where Fathers Christophoros Krikelis and Nicholas Georgiou led prayers in honour of those who perished during the 1974 invasion.
Father Nicholas, visiting from Melbourne and himself of Cypriot descent, offered a deeply personal reflection, speaking about how his father’s experiences as a displaced person shaped his own understanding of identity and injustice. He urged attendees to preserve the memory of the invasion and to continue speaking out for Cyprus’s reunification.
Following the memorial, guests gathered in the church hall for refreshments and a commemorative program, emceed by SEKA NSW Co-President Miranda Adamou. The atmosphere was one of solemn reflection and enduring pride, as poetry readings captured the pain and resilience of a divided homeland.
In her remarks, Adamou paid tribute to the generations of Cypriots who have never stopped advocating for justice. Fellow Co-President Chris Koulinos echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of never forgetting the tragedy of 1974.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, emphasised Greece’s ongoing support for Cyprus and acknowledged the significant contribution of the Cypriot diaspora in keeping the issue alive in Australia.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, praised the unwavering commitment of the local Cypriot community.
Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of Cyprus’ Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, also addressed the gathering, offering the Cypriot Government’s gratitude for the solidarity shown by Cypriots abroad. He reaffirmed the Republic’s determination to pursue reunification through peaceful and legal means.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of two community service awards: one to Panikos Achilleos, President of the Cyprus-Hellene Club, for his leadership and cultural advocacy; and the other to the daughter of Soteris Tsouris OAM, former President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, in recognition of his decades-long commitment to the Cypriot cause in Australia.
The formal exchange of gifts between visiting and local representatives symbolised the ongoing cooperation between Cyprus and its diaspora.
Later in the day, dignitaries, officials, and members of Greek and Cypriot community organisations gathered at the Cenotaph in Martin Place for a wreath-laying ceremony. Among the attendees was the New South Wales Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP, Damien Tudehope MLC, Bayside City Councillor Fiona Douskou, former Australian politicians Jeannette McHugh and Amanda Fazio, the President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou, and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis.
Father Steven Scoutas led the Trisagion memorial prayer. Despite a light drizzling of rain that sent guests towards shelter, the sun soon returned, allowing the ceremony to proceed smoothly.
The service included the playing of the Last Post and Rouse, the reading of the Ode, and a minute’s silence, observed with great reverence.
Wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen, the missing, and the generations who continue to demand justice.
The 51st anniversary served as a powerful reminder of Cyprus’ unresolved division and the diaspora’s enduring commitment to remembrance, unity, and advocacy.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
