With feelings of deep emotion and national pride, the Annual National Memorial Service was held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for the four heroes of the Barn, Liopetriou, Andreas Karyos, Elias Papakyriakou, Fotis Pittas and Christos Samaras, who fell heroically on September 2, 1958, during the historic Battle of the Barn, in the EOKA liberation struggle 1955-1959 against British colonialism.
The heroic battle of Achyronas, which went down in history as "Neo Hani of Gravia", is one of the leading symbols of self-sacrifice, bravery and fighting spirit of the Cypriot people.
The memorial service was held at the Church of Panagia Eleousa in Liopetri, in the presence of the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Konstantinos Fitiris, who attended on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and delivered the memorial speech, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannettos, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Liopetri, Mr. Markos Koumis, as well as a multitude of officials, representatives of authorities, organizations, associations and bodies.
In his memorial speech, the Minister referred to the life, work, contribution and heroic sacrifice of the four lads of Achyronas, Andreas Karyos, Elias Papakyriakos, Fotis Pittas and Christos Samaras, underlining the timeless duty of all of us to keep their memory and legacy alive.
After the memorial service, a procession followed to the Barn Monument, accompanied by the Liopetri Nationalist Associations Band "I Do Not Forget". At the Monument, the official guests were welcomed by the Cyprus Police Philharmonic.
This was followed by the celebration of the Trisagion, the laying of wreaths, a minute of silence and the playing of the National Anthem, to the sounds of the Cyprus Police Philharmonic.
Wreaths were laid, among others, on behalf of the President of the Republic by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Konstantinos Fytiris, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Liopetri, Mr. Markos Koumis, Mr. Theodosis Tsiolas, Member of the European Court of Auditors, representatives of parliamentary parties, the Deputy Mayors of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, representatives of the Municipalities of Famagusta and Paralimni-Dheryneia, the families of the Heroes, a representative of the EOA and the District Governor of Famagusta, the Police Director of Famagusta, the Brigadier General, the Chief of the Fire Service, associations, organizations, local bodies and other attendees.
The march ended at the Nationalist Associations of Liopetri, where a breakfast was offered in memory of the four Heroes.
The National Memorial was organized by the Municipality of Ayia Napa - Municipal District of Liopetri, in collaboration with the families of the Heroes and the Nationalist Associations of Liopetri.
68 years later, their sacrifice remains alive.
The four heroes of the Barn are not only part of the history of Liopetri and Cyprus. They are a symbol of courage, self-denial, dignity and love for the homeland.
