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With great religious reverence and faithful to tradition, we honor today the Great Martyr St. George the Trophy Bearer, Soldier and Protector of our Army.
As a symbol of valour, self-denial, bravery, selflessness, generosity and fighting spirit, Saint George adorned the trophies of the Byzantine emperors, the banners of the fighters of the '21 Revolution and all the struggles of the nation, the Greek battle flags since 1864, and today he adorns the battle flags of our Army.
Saint George was born in 275 AD in Cappadocia, Asia Minor, of illustrious parents. At a very young age he joined the Roman army. Fair and noble, he was distinguished for his daring and heroism and quickly rose to the highest military ranks. The Emperor Diocletian appreciated his bravery, virtue and brilliant victories in battles against the Persians and made him a Duke, with the title of Count in the Imperial Guard.
Nurtured with principles and rare spiritual virtues, he converted to Christianity and in Christ he experienced spiritual fulfillment. He embodied the hopes of persecuted Christians and became their symbol and model. The young Chiliarch's faith brought him face to face with the Emperor Diocletian and, at the same time, with the cruel, unforgiving and oppressive pagan world of his time.
Endowed with the great spiritual power of faith and totally devoted to the God-Man, he does not succumb to fears and threats, endures horrible torture and is finally beheaded.
His sacrifice and martyr's death made the Great Martyr a saint, a symbol of Christianity, and placed him at the forefront of the pantheon of the Martyr Saints of our faith.
His establishment as the patron saint of our Army is due not only to his military status, but also to the totality of his virtues and values, which over time constitute the model of a disciplined soldier dedicated to his country.
The celebration of our Patron Saint is dedicated first of all to the officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers who perform day and night, with self-denial and supreme dedication, their duty to their country, sparing no effort and time, sometimes under adverse conditions, being the decisive factor of victory and success on the battlefield.
Today we honour our Army, which daily occupies and defends our homeland, ensuring the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Cyprus. The National Guard is everywhere, in remote outposts or even in the neighborhoods, always next to the citizen, providing stability and ensuring that all Cypriot society is able to function in its daily life.
Men and women of the National Guard,
The current events inside and outside the territory and especially the aggressive revisionism and dichotomous ambitions of the Turkish occupier find us capable and determined to defend the Republic of Cyprus. We have the supreme responsibility to make the most of the opportunities entrusted to us by the State and to live up to the demands of history and the expectations of Cypriot society. Fully aware of this responsibility, there is no other choice but to be ready at all times to carry out at all costs our mission on land, sea and air until the restoration of law and legitimacy in our semi-occupied homeland.
Besides, we, those who wear the honoured and glorious uniform of the soldier, are obliged to prove every day - at all levels - that we are ready to carry out every task assigned to us, assuming responsibilities and delivering results.
Under the auspices of our Patron Saint George, continue to work hard to increase the operational readiness of our formations and units and enhance the capabilities of the National Guard, on the one hand, as a reliable deterrent force and on the other hand, as a powerful tool for the implementation of the strategic objectives of the Republic of Cyprus.
With these thoughts and gazing at the venerable figure of Saint George on our battle flags, I invite you to exclaim:
Long live the Nation!
Long live Cyprus!
Long live the Army!
Long live the National Guard!
(ΓΣ/ΝΖ)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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