← News feed Church of Greece

Commemoration events in Zambia for those who died during the Turkish invasion of Cyprustranslated

July 20, 2026 · 1 min read

On Sunday, July 19, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Zambia and Mozambique, Mr. Ioannis, celebrated the Holy Trinity at the Holy Church of God Agia Sophia in Lusaka, on the occasion of the completion of 52 years since the barbaric Turkish invasion in 1974. This was followed by a commemorative event at the Metropolis Exhibition Center, where a historical documentary about the events of 1974 was shown.

The keynote speaker was Colonel e.a. of the Greek Army, Mr. Ioannis Kourtelis, who presented the chronicle of the Turkish invasion and operations "Attila I" and "Attila II". Among the officials who graced the event with their presence were the Ambassadors of Somalia, Mozambique, Italy and Cuba, the Consuls General of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus in Zambia as well as Mrs. World Zambia 2026–2027.

The event was covered by Zambian state television, ZNBC and the ZAMBIA DAILY NATION newspaper, after which His Holiness hosted a love meal for those present.

From the Diocese of Zambia and Mozambique it is stated:

"We stand silent and with our heads bowed before the sacrifice. We stand before men and women who did not hesitate either…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (5) 🌐 Show original

Dušan Jovanović

It's good that they also held a memorial service in Zambia and showed that film. Full 52 years, and they still remember our people who died in that invasion. Thank you Bishop Jovan for not forgetting.

Nikola Todorović

I agree, Dusan, it's really nice that there, far away from us, the memory of 1974 and our people is kept alive. Bishop Jovan organized it well, and it is important to show that film as well. Thank God that we do not forget.

Dušan Marković

I agree, Nikola, it is important to remember that crime from '74 in Africa as well. Colleague Kurteljis presented the chronology well, and that documentary always opens the eyes of those who did not know the details. Did you watch it?

Stefan Popović

I agree, Dusan, Kurteljis explained the two "Attila" operations very well. I saw the movie last year at the church celebration, it opened my eyes to some things I didn't know. Were you at that trisagion on Sunday?

Yes, I watched it, Dusan, it's very well made. Colleague Kurteljis explained particularly well how "Attila II" continued what the first part started. Were you at that lunch afterwards, or did you leave earlier?