With an emotionally charged and massive event at Markidio Municipal Theater, the two -day event and honor events for the victims of the Genocide of Pontian Hellenism began on Saturday, organized by the Municipality of Paphos.
According to a statement by D. Papafos, the main speaker was the peer professor of History of Modern Hellenism Konstantinos Fotiadis, whose many years of research and writing has been inextricably linked to the international promotion of this historical tragedy.
The professor emphasized the need to deal with this tragedy of Hellenism, even today, more than 100 years later, stressing that the deepest causes that led to the extinction of Asia Minor Hellenism have not been sufficiently highlighted.
At the same time, he emphasized the need for collective awakening, documented historical claim and substantial involvement of young scientists in preserving historical memory.
He pointed out that oblivion is a threat to the national continuity, while the truth of the story must be shown without fear and expediency.
In his address, Paphos Mayor Mr. Phaedonas Phaedonos emphasized the importance of memory as political and moral act, recalling that there are 8,000 Pontian expatriates in Paphos today, bodies of a vibrant and valuable cultural heritage.
He stressed that May 19th is not just a date in collective memory but a constant reminder of the responsibility for justice and historical truth.
Memory, he said, becomes an act when leading to knowledge, claim and political awakening.
The mayor also pointed out the importance of supporting and equal integration of the homogenous community into the local community, stating that projects such as the Pontian Hellenism Genocide Park, the cultural activities and social policies of the Municipality ensure the preservation of the cultural identity. He made special mention in the presence of Professor Constantine Fotiadis, whom he described as a guardian of historical memory, stressing that memory is a duty and the justification of debt to the future.
The event was enriched by artistic and literary events of the Cultural Cear Cultural Laboratory, which attributed with strong symbolism and emotion the uproar, persecution and Pontian resistance to oblivion.
The events continue and end today on Sunday, May 18th with the religious memorial of the more than 350,000 victims of the Territorial, which will be held at the Church of Saint Anargyri of the Archbishop of Cyprus Mr. Georgiou and the speaker of the General Manager. Mr. Thanassis Tsokos.