Events held in Paphos to mark the Pontic Greek Genocide

Cyprus observed remembrance events for the Pontic Greek Genocide in Paphos, culminating on May 19. The commemoration began on Sunday with a memorial service at the Church of Agioi Anargyroi, officiated by the Bishop of Arsinoe, Pagkratios, featuring a speech by Neapolis University rector Pantelis Sklias. Official events included a protest march from 28th October Square to the Pontic Genocide Park on Evagoras Pallikarides Avenue. On Tuesday, Presidential Commissioner Marios Hartsiotis spoke at the 6th Elementary School of Kato Paphos, emphasizing the government's decision to mark May 19 as a day of remembrance in all public schools. The central event took place at the Markideio Municipal Theatre, featuring an address by Princeton University anthropologist Dr. Nikos Michaelidis. The events honored victims of the 1914–1923 persecution, forced displacement, and mass killings under the Ottoman Empire and the 'Young Turks.' Officials underscored the importance of historical memory, with Cyprus maintaining its push for broader international recognition of the genocide.