Memorial service held for the victims of the 2011 Mari explosion

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides attended the annual memorial service for the 13 people who died in the July 11, 2011, explosion at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari. The service was held at the Holy Church of the Holy New Martyrs and was led by the Metropolitan of Paphos, Gregorios. During his address, President Christodoulides formally apologized on behalf of the state for the errors and omissions that caused the tragedy. He emphasized that the state is implementing strict protocols, institutional procedures, and continuous training to prevent future risks. The ceremony included a military honor guard, a minute of silence, and wreath-laying by state officials. Among the attendees were the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, and several ministers and deputy ministers. The president noted that the explosion resulted in the destruction of the country's primary energy hub and plunged Cyprus into a significant financial crisis. He reiterated that public officials must remain accountable to citizens to honor the legacy of the fallen.