Cyprus: Annual Memorial Service for the fallen of the village of Voni and the cutting of the Vasilopita

On Sunday, 19 January 2025, the annual memorial service for the fallen of the village of Voni was held at the Church of the Apostle Barnabas and Saint Makarios in Dasoupoli, Nicosia.

The memorial service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria, in the presence of dignitaries, relatives and fellow villagers who attended to honour the memory of the heroes. This was followed by a memorial prayer service at the monument located in the courtyard of the Church and the customary cutting of the Vasilopita.

The fellow villagers had the opportunity to connect and meet the younger generation, the older generation, to hear stories and learn about their roots. Also, the book “My Village, Voni” was made available, which includes many important elements for the preservation of the religious and cultural events of the village, as well as historical information about the families of the villagers.

“We owe thanks to the Bishop of Mesaoria for his tireless efforts to connect the refugees and for the Church Committees of the occupied Parishes to operate under his responsibility and guidance, as well as to the Community Council of Voni and the Community Leader Mr. Giorgos Antoniou for the initiative and establishment of the annual commemoration of the people of the village of Voni,” says Mr. Panagiotis Papakyriakou, Theologian and Church Councillor of the Church of Saint George, Voni.