Memorial Service for fallen during the Battle of Crete in Maleme, Crete

With a memorial service at the Battle of Crete monument, the events for the 82nd anniversary of the great Battle were completed at the historic airport of Maleme, Crete.

The ceremony was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronas, who was joined in prayer by the Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Nikiforos Ikosidekas, as well as the the General Hierarchal Vicar, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Georgios Perakis, and other Clergy, in the presence of a large number of people, diplomatic delegations and representatives of the local political and military Authorities.

This was followed by a tactical drop by paratroopers from the 1st Parachute Squadron and an air show by an F-16 aircraft from the 115th Fighter Wing.

The importance of the resistance of the Cretans and the Allies during the German invasion of the island was mentioned in the addresses offered by the deputy governor of Chania Mr. Nikolaos Kalogeris and the general secretary of the Municipality of Chania Mr. Georgios Fragiadakis, while in his speech the mayor of Platanias, Mr. Ioannis Malandrakis, referred to the events of that period and reiterated the request for the local community to use the airport of Maleme.

More photos: Foto mpouzis chania