Memorial service held in Paphos
A memorial service honouring the victims of the Pontic Greek Genocide was held on Sunday at the Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Kato Paphos, in an atmosphere of deep emotion and historical reflection.
The service was officiated by Bishop of Arsinoe Pagkratios and attended by representatives of the state, local authorities, organised groups, and members of the public, who paid tribute to the victims.
What was the Pontic Greek Genocide?
The Pontic Greek Genocide refers to the persecution, mass killings and forced displacement of Greek populations living in the Pontus region of the Ottoman Empire between 1914 and 1923.
Historians estimate that hundreds of thousands of Pontic Greeks were killed through massacres, death marches, starvation, and deportations during and after the First World War. Survivors were forced to flee, with many eventually settling in Greece and Cyprus.
19 May is officially recognised by Greece and Cyprus as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Pontic Greek Genocide.
Call to preserve historical memory
A speech followed by the rector of Neapolis University Pafos, Professor Pantelis Sklias, who spoke about the importance of preserving historical memory and defending historical truth against the tragic chapters of humanity’s past.
As he noted, “19 May is not simply a historical reference to the past, but a constant reminder of our duty towards truth, memory, and human dignity.”
He also stressed that “memory is an act of responsibility” and warned that societies ignoring historical truth risk repeating the same tragic mistakes.
Wreath-laying ceremony follows
A trisagion service was later held, followed by the laying of wreaths at the Pontic Greek Genocide Memorial located in the church courtyard, as a tribute to the victims of the genocide.
Main commemorations set for 19 May
The commemorative events will culminate on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
At 18:30, a gathering will take place at 28 October Square at Paphos Town Hall, followed by a march to the Pontic Hellenism Genocide Park on Evagoras Pallikarides Avenue.
The main event will be held at 19:30 at the Markideio Municipal Theatre of Paphos.
The keynote speaker will be Princeton University anthropology scholar Dr Nikos Michailidis, who will present a speech titled: “The memory of the past and the duty of the future: From Genocide to Rebirth.”
An artistic programme titled “The Tear of Memory” will follow.
