Memorial for those executed by the Germans in the western villages of Ierapetra in September 1943translated

In an atmosphere of emotion and with feelings of living memory, the 83rd anniversary of the holocaust of the Western Villages of Ierapetra by the German occupation troops in September 1943 was celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026, the feast of the worldwide Exaltation of the Holy and Life-giving Cross. And this year at the monument to the fallen, in the courtyard of the celebrating Holy Cross Church of Riza Parish, a High Priestly memorial service was held for the total of 131 victims of Nazi atrocities during the destruction of the villages of Riza, Doghia, Mournia, Myrtos, Mythos, Mallos, Christos and Parsas. (Metaxochori) on September 14, 15 and 16, 2026.

The memorial prayer was performed by Rev. Metropolitan of Ierapytni and Sitia Mr. Kyrillos, surrounded by Panosiol. Prime Minister Archim. Ambrosios Skarvelis and the Holy Clergy of the Western Villages of Ierapetra.

This was followed by the raising of the flag and short greetings by the Mayor of Ierapetra Mr. Emmanuel Fragoulis, the Member of Parliament of Lasithi Ms. Katerina Spyridakis and the Deputy Governor of Lasithi Mr. Ioannis Androulakis.

Afterwards, the special partner of the Municipality of Ierapetra, Mr. Andreas Michelarakis, delivered the…