The 66th anniversary of the independence and establishment of the Republic of Cyprus was marked, on Monday, 5 October 2026, during a ceremony at the historic Westminster Abbey, in London, in the presence of the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Dr Kyriacόs Kouros, as well as members of the Cypriot community in the UK.
The ceremony, which is held annually at Westminster Abbey in honour of Commonwealth countries on the occasion of the anniversary of their independence, included prayers for the
progress, prosperity and stability of the Republic of Cyprus, the wellbeing of the Cypriot people and the country’s leadership, as well as for peace in the wider region.
On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, High Commissioner Kouros read a passage from the Holy Bible, while during the Evensong, the Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey performed hymns and psalms, creating a particularly solemn atmosphere.
During the service, the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle KCVO MBE, was present, while among those attending were representatives of the UK Foreign Office, the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain and the Embassy of Greece, as well as members of the Diplomatic Mission of the Republic of Cyprus in London.
Also present were Mr Bambos Charalambous, British MP of Cypriot origin, Mr Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), members of the Federation and of the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK UK), as well as representatives of Cypriot community organisations in the UK.
Marking the anniversary, the flag of the Republic of Cyprus flew on the mast of the emblematic church, symbolising the historic and longstanding ties of Cyprus with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, as well as the enduring presence and contribution of the Cypriot community in the United Kingdom.
Photo credit: Stavri Kleanthous @StavriKay
