**Makarios’ Life and Contributions Honoured at Memorial Service**
A memorial service was held on Sunday at the Kykkos Monastery to commemorate the life and contributions of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus, who passed away 49 years ago. The event was attended by political and church leaders, as well as representatives from various sectors of society, reflecting the significant impact Makarios had on the island's history.
Archbishop Makarios III was born in 1913 in Panayia, Paphos. His journey took him from the Holy Monastery of Kykkos to the Pancyprian Gymnasium, and later to Athens and Boston. He served in various capacities, including as the Metropolitian of Kition and eventually the Archbishop of Cyprus, before assuming the presidency.
In his address, Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis highlighted the challenges and responsibilities that marked Makarios' life. He noted that in 1950, Makarios was elected to the archdiocesan throne, a role that extended beyond religious duties to encompass significant political responsibilities. Describing him as the last Ethnarch in a political-religious context, Armeftis emphasized Makarios' dual role as both a spiritual leader and a political advocate for Cypriot Hellenism.
Armeftis began his speech with a poignant quote from Makarios’ last address: “The peoples who want to live and struggle to live are not lost.” This statement encapsulated Makarios’ belief in the right of the Cypriot people to live freely. The choice of Kykkos Monastery as his final resting place was deliberate, as it allowed him to overlook the entirety of Cyprus in death, symbolizing his enduring connection to the island.
The mayor underscored that discussing the history of Cyprus without mentioning Makarios is impossible, given his pivotal role in shaping the Republic. Under his leadership, the Republic of Cyprus solidified its international presence and gained recognition on the global stage. Makarios elevated the Cyprus issue to an international political concern, garnering support for the island's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Armeftis described Makarios as "intelligent and charismatic," noting that he was calm and moderate in his speech yet steadfast in his principles. He remarked that the legacies of great leaders should not only be commemorated with words but should also serve as a guiding compass for the future of the country.
The mayor also recalled Makarios' notable presence at the United Nations General Assembly on July 19, 1974, shortly after a coup in Cyprus. From the UN podium, Makarios condemned the constitutional deviation and called for the restoration of democratic order. Despite some contemporary criticisms suggesting that his words invited foreign intervention, Armeftis clarified that historical context shows that Turkish forces were already en route to Cyprus at the time of Makarios' speech.
Reflecting on the current political climate, Armeftis noted the recent visit of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus, emphasizing that "difficult times require leaders with vision, people with endurance, and political forces that can serve the common good."
The memorial service served not only as a tribute to Makarios’ legacy but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Cyprus. As attendees gathered to honour the first president, they reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals he championed throughout his life.