At the Ayia Napa Municipal Theater, as part of the two-day Conference organized by the Institute of Hellenic Culture on November 08-09, 2025, in collaboration with the Ayia Napa Municipality, the foundation stone was laid for the establishment of the Unified Cultural Doctrine of Cyprus - Greece - Hellenism Everywhere (EPOD), "The Communities of the Greeks".
Welcoming those present, the President of the Institute of Hellenic Culture, Mr. Xenis Xenophontos, emphasized that the establishment of the EPOD is not simply an act of culture, but a declaration of continuity, self-awareness and unity of Hellenism. With his gaze turned towards the mute Pentadaktylos and his thoughts traveling to all the Greek homelands, he said, people of culture, spirit and national self-awareness express their will to form a re-creative front for the promotion of the values of Greek Culture and the strengthening of a value system that is being tested both in Cyprus and in Greece.
"In an era of challenges," where, as he noted, "the entire planet is moving on dark and uncharted paths, the first 25 Cultural Associations and Spiritual Centers from Cyprus, Greece, Northern Epirus, Southern Italy, Pontus and other regions of Hellenism united to establish EPOD, "The Communities of the Greeks," marking the beginning of a new era of cultural mobilization."
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that the Founding Conference of the EPOD marks a new era of unity of Hellenism and highlighted the role of Ayia Napa as an international cultural and academic center, through institutions such as the Pancyprian Sculpture Park Literary Competition and the Seferis Symposium, which strengthen cultural diplomacy and the connection of art, history and contemporary political responsibility.
Mr. Zannetou also highlighted the need for strategic cooperation with the state to strengthen the Free Province of Famagusta and the utilization of its human resources and structures as a lever for development and national regeneration. He stressed the importance of supporting the new generation through education, culture and the cultivation of identity, underlining that the progress of Hellenism is based on spiritual resources and a perspective for the youth. In closing, he expressed warm thanks to the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the institutional bodies, underlining that culture is the foundation of freedom, unity and the spiritual continuity of the Nation.
His Beatitude Archbishop of Cyprus, Mr. George, in his greeting noted that culture and cultural heritage constitute a sacred barrier protecting the Nation from alienation, and pointed out that the EPOD should develop a strategy to safeguard the Greek-Christian identity, with the active participation of all Greeks.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized the importance of Ayia Napa as the venue for the Founding Conference and the high symbolism of the region, which is close to the wounds of the occupation and is associated with the struggle of EOKA and the indivisible Greek identity of Cyprus.
He underlined that the cultural and historical identification of Cyprus and Greece is deeply rooted, while today there is a need to highlight the values of Greek culture and strengthen the cooperation of cultural institutions. He stressed the support of the Republic of Cyprus to the EPOD, congratulated the founding members and pointed out the importance of humanism, ethics and collective responsibility for the formation of active citizens.
President Nikos Christodoulides also pointed out the close cooperation between Cyprus and Greece on political and diplomatic challenges, the importance of assertive realism in resolving the Cyprus problem, and the internal reforms to strengthen the rule of law, security and social welfare.
He emphasized the international role of Cyprus as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, as an opportunity to showcase the country and its historical wounds.
In closing, he highlighted the crucial role of people of culture and civil society in strengthening Hellenism and national continuity.
Greetings were also delivered by the President of the Federation of Cypriot Organizations in Greece (OKOE), Mr. George Syllouris. During the opening ceremony, a television tribute entitled "Cyprus - Ecumenical Hellenism" was broadcast, a television message was presented by the Founding Members of EPOD, a musical program was performed by the choir and orchestra of the Famagusta Music School, while commemorative plaques and gifts were also awarded.
