Cyprus honors 1940 heroes with National Day parade

Cyprus commemorated "Ohi Day" on Monday, honoring Greece's 1940 defiance against Axis forces with ceremonies and a military parade in Nicosia. President Nikos Christodoulides led the observance, presiding over the national parade in front of the Greek Embassy.

The day began with a doxology service at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas, officiated by Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus. President Christodoulides attended with Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and senior political and military officials.

Emmanouil Varvounis, a professor of folklore from Democritus University of Thrace, delivered the commemorative address.

An honor guard from the National Guard and the Military Philharmonic paid tribute outside the cathedral, while students from universities and secondary institutions in Nicosia carried Cypriot and Greek flags.

At 11 a.m., President Christodoulides, Greek Ambassador Ioannis Papameletiou, and other dignitaries received the parade salute in front of the Greek Embassy. The procession featured veterans, students, scouts, and representatives from various organizations.

Similar events took place across municipalities, with government representatives attending local doxologies and parades in communities throughout Cyprus.