Newsroom
The body of former President of the Republic, George Vassiliou, is being laid out for public viewing today at the Church of Hagia Sophia, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Today also marks the opening of the official book of condolences for the former president’s passing. The book will be available in the Presidential Palace’s event hall, and in the morning it will be signed by the President of the Republic and members of the Council of Ministers.
The book of condolences will be open to state officials from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and to the diplomatic corps from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additionally, books of condolences will be opened at all Cypriot diplomatic missions abroad.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 p.m., at the Church of Hagia Sophia in Strovolos, with the attendance of the President of the Republic and the full Council of Ministers. The ceremony will be held at public expense. The family will receive condolences at the church from 11:30 a.m. The burial will follow at the Aglandjia Municipal Cemetery.
Saturday, January 17, has been declared a public holiday in honor of the former president.
Meanwhile, supermarkets will remain open on the day of the funeral, according to Andreas Hatziadamou, Executive Secretary of the Pancyprian Association of Supermarkets. Although designated a public holiday by the Council of Ministers, “the private sector will operate as usual, as will supermarkets,” he said.
“There is no differentiation,” Hatziadamou added. “Employees will work normally, as they would on any Saturday. All applicable legislation for Saturday and Sunday work will be followed.”
