Greek Orthodox Community of SA to hold memorial for victims of Cyprus invasion

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) will hold a memorial service this Sunday, July 20, to honour the victims of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the coup that preceded it.

The service will take place at 10:30am at the Cathedral of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Adelaide, marking 51 years since the twin tragedies that divided the island and continue to resonate deeply with the Cypriot diaspora.

In a statement issued by GOCSA President Peter Ppiros, the Community reaffirmed its “full solidarity” with the Cypriot people in their ongoing struggle for reunification and justice.

“We honour the memory of the fallen, who, though betrayed, resisted Turkish Attila and defended the independence of Cyprus with their lives,” the statement reads.

The memorial comes as Greek and Cypriot communities worldwide reflect on the events of July 1974, when a military coup backed by the Greek junta overthrew the elected government of Archbishop Makarios. Just five days later, Turkey launched a full-scale invasion, citing the need to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority.

The invasion resulted in the division of the island, with over 200,000 people displaced, thousands killed or missing, and entire communities permanently uprooted.

GOCSA said the trauma of those events continues to shape the lives of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and renewed its support for a peaceful, just resolution based on United Nations resolutions and the model of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

“The solution must exclude partition, end the occupation and settlement policy, and ensure human rights and basic freedoms for all Cypriots,” the statement continues.

The GOCSA also paid tribute to its historical role in advocating for Cyprus, dating back to the 1950s struggle against British colonial rule, and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the memory and the cause alive in Australia.

“We pledge to continue supporting the Cypriot people and demand the full backing of the Australian Government and political leadership until final justice is achieved,” the statement concludes.

Following the liturgy, attendees will gather for light refreshments and brief remarks. The service is open to all members of the public, including the wider Greek and Cypriot communities.