ASTORIA – The 63rd anniversary of the EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston, in English-National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) Liberation Struggle April 1, 1955-59 was commemorated with the theatrical concert Ton Athanaton, Immortal Heroes, featuring the Pancyprian Choir and Actors of NY, of the Cultural Division of the Pancyprian Association, presented by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Cyprus on March 31.
The event began with the Trisagion prayer for the fallen heroes of EOKA led by St. Demetrios Cathedral presiding priest Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos. Following the prayer, Fr. Papazafiropoulos noted that the fight must continue until all of Cyprus is free. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America was scheduled to speak at the event, but could not attend. Andy Hadjioannou served as Master of Ceremonies, giving the welcoming remarks, and thanking all those in attendance. Federation of Cypriot American Organizations President Kyriacos Papastylianou offered his greetings and invited Demetri Michael to the stage to recite the EOKA oath taken by the young men who fought for the freedom of Cyprus.
Pancyprian Association of America President Philip Christopher pointed out the need for unity like that of 1955 to help free Cyprus from occupation today and thanked all those present for honoring those who gave their lives for freedom. Christopher observed that the fight was not only about enosis or the unification of Cyprus with Greece, but also for Hellenism, Hellenic ideals and values, the same ideals and democratic values of Greece that the United States shares, and that the fight continues, 44 years since the invasion of Cyprus, and until all of Cyprus is free, “the final chapter has not been written.”
Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras also noted the need for unity more than ever between Greeks and Cypriots. Consul General of Cyprus Ambassador Vasilios Philippou noted the importance of honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom and thanked all those involved in the production, especially the Artistic and Musical Director of the Pancyprian Choir Phytos Stratis for his efforts.
Among those present were Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN Maria Theofili, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN Ambassador Kornelios Korneliou, Deputy Permanent Representative Menelaos Menelaou, Executive Director of the US-Cyprus Chamber of Commerce Despina Ioannou Axiotakis, members of the Pancyprian Association, and members of the community.
The powerful production, written by Stratis, skillfully brings together EOKA associated texts- letters, poems, songs, along with audio and visual elements to tell the poignant story of the struggle for freedom. The excerpts from the letters written by the hero martyrs were especially poignant. The young men, so dedicated to the cause of freedom, their faith, and their homeland, faced death with such strength and dignity in spite of the terrible conditions of their imprisonment, their final thoughts were not for themselves but for the loved ones they left behind. The actors delivered their message, appropriately on the Saturday of Lazarus, with subtlety at times and also with an intensity that those who died for freedom live on, their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their faith in Christ and the Resurrection sustained them and comforted them in their final hours.
The Pancyprian Choir and Actors, soloists, under Stratis’ direction, impressed the audience with their talent in this moving performance. Among the talented performers were narrator Fanis Gkikas, soloists Penny Tsinias and Demetris Michael, letter readers Tasos Karydis, Louis Panayiotou, Christiana Kandiloti, Ismene Michaels, Stella Sakelarides, and Eleni Avgousti as the mother of Grigoris Afxentiou. The Pancyprian Youth Choir joined in for the final song, adding another level of emotion to the performance. Musicians Aris Antoniades on piano, Ellie Tsachtani on flute, Theodoros Tsinias on percussion, and Angelos Papadatos on bass added their artistry as well to this wonderful performance, with rousing renditions of the songs.
After the performance, the Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Ariadne Panagopoulou, and the Greek National Anthem by the Pancyprian Choir, joined by the audience as well.
Stratis thanked all those in attendance and especially the members of the Pancyprian Choir who are all volunteers. He spoke with The National Herald immediately following the performance, noting that the volunteers are there out of love. The production has developed over time and Stratis told TNH that he plans to add to the work for next year’s anniversary.
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