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President Nikos Christodoulides rolled out the red carpet at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday evening, paying tribute to eight Cypriot expatriates whose work abroad has left a lasting mark on their homeland.
During a reception hosted with First Lady Filippa Karsera Christodoulides and attended by state and church officials as well as hundreds of diaspora delegates in Nicosia for the World Congress of Cypriot Diaspora, the president awarded the Medal of Outstanding Contribution to the Homeland, the state’s highest honor for expats.
“These medals are a small sign of our gratitude for the invaluable work done by the Cyprus diaspora,” Christodoulides said, calling the recipients “distinguished compatriots” who have stood out for their integrity, dedication, and lifelong service to Cyprus and Hellenism.
The honorees included Andreas Kyprianidis, Nikos Tziazas, Giorgos Giakoumis, Kyriakos Akathiotis, Athena Charalambidi, Nestor Nestoros, Andreas Savvas Demetriou, and the late Christina Charalambous.
Each of them brought a unique story:
Kyprianidis, who has held honors before, said this recognition was “special” as it came from his homeland.
Tziazas highlighted the role of younger generations in the U.S., pointing to the 450 children active in New York’s “Eleftheria Pancyprios” football club.
Akathiotis, representing Britain’s diaspora, credited community priests for helping expats achieve what they have abroad.
Charalambidi, of Canada, praised Cyprus’ humanitarian reputation through the “Amalthea” initiative, saying it has sparked discussions overseas.
Nestoros, speaking for the Hellenism of Africa, described over a century of Cypriot and Greek communities building churches, schools, and associations across the continent. He dedicated the honor to Zimbabwe’s Greek community and to his occupied hometown, Filia Morphou.
Demetriou, from South Africa, said the medal belongs to compatriots there, as well as Cyprus’ missing persons and fallen soldiers.
Accepting on behalf of the late Christina Charalambous, Andreas Evdokou said she dedicated her life to serving the Cypriot community in South Australia with quiet passion and deep love for her homeland.
Christodoulides stressed that the diaspora has long been a bridge between Cyprus and the wider world, promoting its culture, supporting national causes, and keeping the Cyprus issue alive abroad. “Your contribution will forever enjoy the deep gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus and of the Cypriot people,” he told the recipients.
See photos of those honored below:
