This year, the memorial service marking the commencement of the EOKA liberation struggle for Cyprus coincided with the commemoration of 25 March, as well as the official visit of a delegation from the Hellenic Parliament.
At the conclusion of a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Sunday, March 29, a Doxology was offered marking the National Anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821, followed by a Memorial Service for the heroes of the EOKA liberation struggle (1955–1959), commemorating the anniversary of 1 April 1955.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia addressed the faithful, reflecting on the profound historical and spiritual significance of the day – a moment that united two homelands and one people in the shared memory of struggle and sacrifice:
“Today is a sacred convergence of memory and faith. The struggles of 1821 and 1955 are not distant chapters of history, but living testimonies of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom,” His Eminence said.
“The coincidence of these commemorations reminds us that Hellenism is united across time and place – from Greece to Cyprus – bound by shared values, shared struggles, and a shared destiny.
“We are especially honoured by the presence of Members of the Hellenic Parliament, whose engagement, questions, and sincere interest affirm that the legacy of our struggles continues to resonate within the heart of the Hellenic world.
“Meeting with one of the heroes of the liberation struggle and participating in the private reflection and wreath-laying was a moment of deep humility – a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice, and must be preserved with responsibility and unity.”
Reaffirming the message of hope, Archbishop Makarios added: “We honour our Cypriot brothers who struggled for the liberation of their island, and we glorify God that there is a free Cyprus today.”
“At the same time, we offer our prayers that God may bless and strengthen efforts so that the entire island may one day be liberated and united. May God grant us this great blessing, through the grace and intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, to see Cyprus free and united,” he added.
Among those in attendance were the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Antonis Sammoutis; and Members of the Hellenic Parliament, Maximos Charakopoulos, Filippos Fortomas, Stavros Michailidis, and Konstantinos Barkas, who were visiting Australia as part of the official delegation for the Greek Independence Day celebrations.
Also present were the Secretary General of the Archdiocesan Council and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Theodosios Penklis; Michael P. Kyriacou, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW; as well as presidents and representatives of Greek and Cypriot community organisations.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the delegation of Members of the Hellenic Parliament, together with representatives of the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, proceeded to the memorial monument located within the church grounds.
A brief moment of reflection was led by the High Commissioner Mr Sammoutis, who spoke on the enduring significance of the EOKA struggle and its place in the collective memory of Hellenism.
In a solemn and deeply moving gesture, flowers were laid at the monument by veterans and heroes of the liberation struggle, honouring those who sacrificed for freedom and dignity.
The visiting Greek Members of Parliament expressed strong interest in the commemoration, engaging meaningfully with attendees and demonstrating genuine empathy and respect for the history being honoured. In a particularly poignant moment, they warmly congratulated one of the heroes present, embracing him and acknowledging him as a role model for all Hellenes – and indeed for all people around the world who continue to strive for liberty.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Mr Kyriacou emphasised the deeper meaning of the day and its enduring relevance for Hellenism and the broader international community:
“The coincidence of this memorial with the commemoration of 25 March is not incidental – it is a profound reminder that the struggle of Cyprus is intrinsically linked to the wider continuum of Hellenic history and the universal pursuit of liberty,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“The cause of Cyprus extends beyond the shores of the island. It speaks to all Hellenes, wherever they may be, and to all peoples around the world who continue to strive for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.”
Mr Kyriacou expressed his sincere appreciation for the spiritual leadership and unwavering support of the Church.
“We are deeply grateful for the prayers, the guidance, and the steadfast support of the Church, and in particular His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, whose words today reaffirm both our faith and our collective responsibility to remain steadfast in our cause,” he added.
“It is our hope that this message – of justice, remembrance, and the continued pursuit of a free and united Cyprus – resonates more broadly across Australia, and especially within the Greek Australian community, strengthening awareness and engagement with this enduring national issue.”
Highlighting the Community’s forward-looking initiatives, Mr Kyriacou also announced a significant educational and cultural project.
“Our Community is in the final stages of launching a major exhibition examining the media’s portrayal of the Cyprus struggle – an initiative that will provide students across New South Wales with a firsthand opportunity to understand how narratives were shaped, and how, in many cases, they failed to reflect the true nature of the struggle,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“In reflection, contemporary scholarship and historical analysis increasingly recognise the Cyprus liberation movement alongside other global independence movements – including that of the United States and other nations that emerged from colonial rule – restoring its rightful place within the broader history of peoples seeking freedom.”
Mr Kyriacou also acknowledged the presence and meaningful engagement of the visiting Members of the Hellenic Parliament.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Members of the Hellenic Parliament, who not only honoured us with their presence, but remained afterwards to engage directly with members of our Community, listening with care and expressing genuine solidarity with our cause,” he said.
“Their commitment to carry these discussions back to Greece, and to ensure that the Cyprus issue remains firmly on the parliamentary agenda, is both reassuring and deeply appreciated.
“The embrace of our heroes and their recognition as role models for all Hellenes was a powerful and symbolic moment – one that underscores the enduring bond between Greece, Cyprus, and the global Hellenic diaspora.”
