Memorial services held for Archbishop Makarios III

Memorial services were held Sunday in all churches across the government controlled areas of the Republic for Cyprus’ first President, Archbishop Makarios III, who died on August 3, 1977.

The official memorial was held at Kykkos Monastery, in the presence of the Presidents of Cyprus and Greece Tassos Papadopoulos and Karolos Papoulias and other officials. The church service was officiated by Archbishop Chrysostomos II.

After the memorial, a sanctum was held at the tomb of Makarios III at Throni, followed by the laying of wreaths.

Wreaths were laid by Presidents Papadopoulos and Papapoulias, House President Demetris Christofias and on behalf of Makarios’ family.

In his speech at the official memorial, Bishop of Kykkos and Tiliria Nikiforos praised the personality and the work of Makarios, saying that he has deservingly taken the highest place among the men who addressed the challenges that Cyprus faced in the 20th century.

“Makarios is one of the great men of our church and our nation”, he said.

He also welcomed Greek President Karolos Papoulias in Cyprus, saying that “your participation in the official memorial service is a proof of the constant interest of Greece in the struggle of the people of Cyprus”.

“Your presence here enforces our faith and hopes for justice for Cyprus” he added.

Moreover, the Bishop of Kykkos and Tilirias referred to the upcoming presidential elections of February 2008 in Cyprus and called on the political leadership of Cyprus not to give room to disputes and conflict.

The Cyprus government is organising a series of events to mark the 30th anniversary since Makarios’ death.

In the evening, the Presidents of Greece and Cyprus will attend and address a philological memorial service for Makarios that will take place at the University of Cyprus premises.