Courtyard of the Historical Museum - Prison of Akrita "Grigoris Afxentiou"
Honorable Minister of Rural Development and Food George Giorgantas,
Honorable Mayors of Kilkis and Lysis,
Mr. Secretary General of the Pancyprian United Organization of Students of Thessaloniki,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend and greet today's ceremony of proclamation of the former Mayor of Lysis Andreas Ttofias as Honorary Citizen of Kilkis,
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to attend and greet today's ceremony of proclamation of the former Mayor of Lysis Andreas Ttofias as Honorary Citizen of Kilkis.
This honorary decision of the Kilkis City Council is certainly a sign of deep appreciation to the man Andreas Tofias, but also the highest recognition of his multifaceted action, which reflects pride in his family, his neighbors and his compatriots in general.
Our presence here today inevitably causes us to be emotionally charged, since the place, the time, the persons honoured, and the event itself present interconnected elements.
On these geographical borders, where some have taken it upon themselves to guard Thermopylae, one of the heroic martyrs of Cyprus, the legendary Grigoris Afxentiou from Lysi, served with pride. And here we are in the month of April, 67 years ago, when the beautiful struggle of EOKA 55'-'59 began in Megalonissos, aiming at the union with mother Greece, which recorded magnificent acts of unparalleled courage and heroism.
The honoured person of today's event, apart from the common origin, the close family relationship with the hero and his active involvement in the EOKA Struggle, was among the pioneers of the twinning of the two municipalities, but also among those who contributed to the idea for the establishment of this Historical Museum-Park "Grigoris Afxentiou" and contributed to its implementation.
Through this noble initiative of the Municipality of Kilkis, the creative path of an active man is highlighted, whose life was guided by the selfless contribution to the common good. A man with genuine philanthropy, who actively gave his presence in all the recent historical events of our country, such as the struggle of EOKA, the bicommunal riots of 1963-64, the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the years of refugeeism, all of which were hard trials, always demonstrating an unwavering fighting spirit.
He defied risks, worked hard, behaved boldly and did not count on efforts and sacrifices in order to carry out the work he undertook from positions of responsibility where he was called upon to serve.
A good family man, a man of integrity, dynamic and decisive but humble and modest, Andreas Ttofias proved to be very dear in the eyes of all who knew him and especially of his fellow citizens, who promoted him many times to the office of Mayor. Through electoral procedures he served additionally in a number of other responsible positions, carrying out his duties with exemplary consistency and dedication.
Today's ceremony, I am sure, fills him and his family first and foremost, as well as his beloved Lysis Community, as well as the whole of Cyprus, with moral satisfaction. Because people like Andreas Ttofias, with such a rich activity, whose motivation has always been the voluntary contribution to society, are worthy ambassadors of our country.
In conclusion, I would like to express my warm congratulations to the Kilkis City Council for its decision and, by extension, for the excellent organization of today's ceremony of proclaiming Andreas Ttofias an honorary citizen. I also extend my warmest congratulations to the President and the Members of the Municipal Council of Lysis for their contribution to the conduct and success of the two-day events.
This fraternal act of love and respect seals the indissoluble bonds of our sacred and martyred places. At the same time, it confirms the will to continue the close and united cooperation and the common struggle for the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage, which is clearly reflected in our Greek identity.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, I express my deepest appreciation to our dear Mr. Andreas Ttofias, as well as our warmest wishes for personal and family happiness.
Thank you.
(PM/IK)
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