LIOPETRI: They honored Saint Barbara at the Modestos Pantelis camp (PICTURES)

On Saturday, December 04, 2021, the official celebration of St. Barbara, Patroness of the Artillery Weapon, took place at the "Modestos Pantelis" Camp in Liopetri. The established Doxology for the ceremony celebrating the patron saint of the artillery of St. Barbara, was preceded by the opening ceremony of the renovated chapel of Saints George and Barbara, which is located inside the camp "Modestos Pantelis".

The celebration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Charalambos Petridis, the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, MPs, the General Directors of the Ministries of Defense and Communications, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff Foreign countries, representatives of the political and religious leadership, the Commanders of the 7th Motorized Infantry Brigade and the Artillery Command of the GEEF with their staffs, as well as a delegation of executives.

The Artillery Commander of the General Staff of the National Guard, in his Daily Order, stated that the beacon of the actions of the Artillerymen is the execution of their mission, which is none other than the strengthening of the operational readiness and combat capability of the Artillery Units, so be ready to fulfill their duty to the homeland by contributing to the deterrent capacity of the National Guard. He also noted that the modernization, upgrade and supply of new weapons systems, are developments in the Artillery weapon, which will make it faster and more powerful on the modern battlefield.

At the end of the ceremony, a static exhibition was held in which the artillery systems of the Artillery were presented and traditional donuts were offered to the attendees, as is usual in the celebration of St. Barbara.

The celebration ceremony was held in compliance with all measures of protection from the pandemic COVID-19.

Greeting of the Minister of Defense Mr. Charalambos Petridis at the celebrations of St. Barbara, patron saint of the Artillery

It is with great pleasure that I am present here today, at the Modestos Pantelis Camp, for the established feast of the Artillery, on the day of the feast of his Patron Saint, Saint Barbara.

To honor the fallen and to pray for the missing gunmen, who came to the call of the homeland to defend its freedom and dignity.

Congratulations to all the officers, non-commissioned officers and hoplites of the artillery, who with full awareness of responsibility and professionalism honor their weapon and serve the whole country.

Congratulations, on the occasion of the feast of St. Barbara, personally to the commander of the Artillery and all the staff for the work you perform and the tireless efforts you make. I assure you that as a state we will always be by your side.

It is this high mindset and confidence in your strengths and abilities that fills all of us with pride and optimism.

On the occasion of the feast of St. Barbara, we performed today the opening of the church of St. George and St. Barbara in the presence of the most venerable Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, Mr. Vassilios. The effort began on the initiative of executives in 1995, was continued by the current Deputy Lieutenant General Mr. Chrysiliou, when he was serving in the area and was completed today by the Commander of the 7th Brigade, Brigadier General Hadjimichael. In your person I would like to thank all those who in any way contributed to the completion of the holy temple.

From the side of the Ministry we declare that the upgrade of the operational capabilities of the artillery and not only, is a top priority. The reinforcement with new modern means and material drastically upgraded its capabilities. The implementation of the armament program continues and is implemented with steady steps according to the needs and peculiarities of the new business environment.

Nevertheless, our supreme goal remains the resolution of the Cyprus problem through diplomatic means. We have an obligation and a duty to the heroes of this place to continue the struggle for an end to the occupation, the reunification of our homeland and the guarantee of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the Cypriot people.

Happy Birthday to all and happy holidays.