Memorial Service Held for EOKA Deputy Leader Grigoris Afxentiou

The National Memorial Service for EOKA Deputy Leader Grigoris Afxentiou was held this morning at the Holy Monastery of Machaira, attended by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, and other officials. Afxentiou, known by the pseudonym “Zidros”, was an iconic figure in the struggle for Cyprus's independence. On March 3, 1957, Afxentiou was besieged in his hideout by British forces. He refused to surrender, ordered his comrades to withdraw to safety, and continued resistance alone for hours. Eventually, British forces set fire to the hideout, where he met his heroic death. After the memorial service, a prayer was held and a reenactment of the Battle of Machaira took place at the hero's hideout, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. The event honors the sacrifice and contribution of Afxentiou to Cyprus. The figure of Grigoris Afxentiou remains a symbol of national resistance and sacrifice for the Cypriot people. This event is a significant moment of remembrance and honor for Cyprus.