The epic of EOKA, inspired by the epic of the Greek Revolution, wrote, admittedly, one of the most glorious pages of heroism in modern world history. However, beyond the big words, the honors and the resounding references to the heroism of the fighters, we have to see through them our own current reality. Incomparable, indeed, was their courage, bravery, mental strength and fearlessness towards any enemy and in any difficult hour of responsibility. I have the impression, however, that if we limit ourselves to these, they risk, if it has not already taken place, that the heroes will pass into the realm of the imaginary, the unreal, will be consolidated in the realm of legend and their reference will become graphic and "banal" ».
So, what really shocks me and concerns me in the heroes of our national struggles is not so much the youth but the CONSISTENCY. On the one hand a consequence of words and deeds and on the other a consequence in their personal life. The heroes who sacrificed their lives for the vision of freedom and the love for the homeland were not highlighted, in my opinion, by the moment of sacrifice, but by their consistency towards the responsibility of their position and mission. Whatever they said, whatever they wrote, whatever they promised, whatever they suggested, whatever they said they did in full. Their speech was put into practice, their promise fulfilled, their big words were transformed into great works.
And today, what the place needs more than anything else is consistency. This is what we miss and regret, sometimes it angers us and sometimes it disappoints us. Consistency of words and deeds by those who rule and by those who promise to rule. This is the political lesson of the heroes for today. If we all had this consequence, then we would be more honest, more honest, clearer, more truthful and therefore more humble. We are tired of the pompous delusions on every national anniversary, the "I live" and the "I do not want to surrender" and "now over all struggles" and the "freedom or death" by politicians and other holders of parliamentary seats and chairs. We want example, we want action, we want fulfillment of promises, we want practical proof of reasons, we want honesty in any commitments. In the face of the modern national and social challenges that are striking red today, let us finally honor the heroes not only in words but in practice. And especially, in view of the parliamentary elections, let those who held positions consider whether they have fulfilled what they promised, but also the candidates if they are so sure that they will fulfill what they promise us.
On the other hand, the heroes of our national struggles were mostly distinguished and consistent in their daily lives. As spouses, as heads of families, as professionals, as believers. Most were characterized by integrity. The moment of sacrifice did not make them patriots. Every moment of their lives made them patriots. If we talk about the heroes of EOKA, only to read their letters and letters, only these are worthy to teach and nurture generations. Inside they contain the true patriot, the man who loves his homeland, loves God, loves his friends, relatives, his family. He speaks politely, addresses with tenderness but also full of passion for both life and homeland. The heroes had correctly prioritized their values and priorities. They were honest in their words. They did not caress their own ears. They confessed their love, but they also confessed their mission and left their vision and sacrifice as a legacy.
We, the Greek Cypriots of 2021, can not, therefore, play raids and weave praises, make battle representations and erect statues, at a time when in our daily lives we trample institutions, insult people, rape and violently rape, rape and harass, , we send and vulgarize, and even we are indifferent and waste time and effort on meaningless and meaningless interests. They were heroes and people with weaknesses, flaws and downfalls. In general, however, they left behind a good memory of their own and those who had known them. It is time, then, for the word "patriot" to take on a different meaning and significance. To translate into political and social responsibility of all of us, rulers, representatives and candidates. I love my homeland, it does not only mean I die for it. It means I show in every way and by every means my love for her, every day, at every moment and time, at whatever age and position I am. If the epics of 1821 and 1955 have anything to teach us, it is how to live and then how we die in favor of "faith and homeland". For now, I reserve both.
George Kyprianou, Teacher - President of the Cultural Association ROMIOSYNI