President Christodoulides honors Kyriakos Matsis at Presidential Palace

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, hosted an event at the Presidential Palace to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kyriakos Matsis, a hero of the EOKA liberation struggle (1955-1959).

During his address, President Christodoulides emphasized that the sustainability of any future solution to the Cyprus problem relies on a proper understanding of the nation's history. He described the EOKA struggle as the "purest fight" of Cypriot Hellenism and stated that the existence of the modern Republic of Cyprus is a direct result of these sacrifices. This event marked the first time the Presidential Palace has hosted a ceremony dedicated specifically to Matsis and the EOKA cause, with the President promising that it will not be the last.

Addressing students in attendance, the President delivered three messages, stressing that honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom is a fundamental duty. The ceremony serves as part of an ongoing effort to maintain national historical awareness as the country navigates complex political challenges.