Astoria Commemorates 71st Anniversary of EOKA Liberation Struggle

Cypriot American organizations honor the heroes of the fight for Cypriot independence from British colonial rule.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:24am

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The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) and the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) held a moving commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the EOKA liberation struggle (1955-1959) against British colonial rule in Cyprus. The event featured music, poetry, and speeches honoring the sacrifices of EOKA fighters like Grigoris Afxentiou, Kyriakos Matsis, and Evagoras Pallikarides.

Why it matters

The EOKA liberation struggle was a pivotal moment in Cypriot history, leading to the eventual independence of Cyprus. Commemorating this event helps preserve the memory of those who fought for freedom and keeps the ongoing struggle for justice and peace in Cyprus at the forefront.

The details

The commemoration took place at the Petros Patrides Cultural Center at St. Demetrios in Astoria, New York. It featured performances by the Pancyprian Choir of New York, soloists Ariadne Anna and Louis Panayiotou, and cellist Diana Golden. Students from the St. Demetrios Greek School also participated by reciting poems. Dignitaries in attendance included the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN, the candidate for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly, the Consul General of Cyprus in New York, and representatives from the FCAO, PSEKA, and AHEPA.

  • The commemoration was held on March 28, 2026.
  • The EOKA liberation struggle took place from 1955 to 1959.

The players

Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO)

A organization that collaborated with PSEKA to present the commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the EOKA liberation struggle.

International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA)

An organization that collaborated with FCAO to present the commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the EOKA liberation struggle.

Pancyprian Choir of New York

The choir that performed at the commemoration, led by Music & Artistic Director Phyto Stratis.

Ariadne Anna

A soprano soloist who performed at the commemoration.

Louis Panayiotou

A tenor soloist who performed at the commemoration.

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What they’re saying

“We're here to celebrate the lives of those people who made the ultimate sacrifice for Cyprus. If it was not for their sacrifice, today, the Republic of Cyprus, member of the European Union, actually, in the Presidency of the European Union, we would not be in existence, fighting for freedom and justice for Cyprus... we can never forget the sacrifice of 1955-59 EOKA... But the fight is continuing here in the United States.”

— Philip Christopher, PSEKA and Pancyprian Association President

“You cannot fight for that which you do not understand. And that is the sole and most important responsibility of any 'omospondia', of any federation, not to come together to do little social events, but to educate the next generation, to ensure that our children understand the struggle that we have been through as Greeks, as Cypriots, that our forefathers and foremothers fought through.”

— Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, Representing Archbishop Elpidophoros

What’s next

The annual PSEKA conference will be held in Washington, DC from June 9-11, 2026, where the fight for Cypriot independence will continue to be a focus.

The takeaway

This commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by EOKA fighters in the struggle for Cypriot independence, and the ongoing need to educate future generations about this important history and continue the fight for justice and freedom in Cyprus.