Dendias thanks Church of Cyprus for military academy funding ahead of 66th independence anniversary

Ministerial visit to the Archdiocese

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias arrived in Nicosia on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to participate in official events commemorating the 66th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. During his visit to the capital, Dendias held a formal meeting with Archbishop George of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus at the Archdiocesan headquarters. The defence minister stated that the visit was not merely a ceremonial encounter. Instead, it served as an opportunity to convey direct gratitude to the Archbishop, the Church of Cyprus, and the wider Cypriot Hellenism for supporting the Hellenic Armed Forces. Dendias also reflected on the longstanding personal friendship connecting him with the Archbishop, noting that meeting in Cyprus or welcoming him in Greece remains an ongoing privilege. The bilateral talks focused on ongoing cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, reaffirming defence solidarity ahead of the national celebrations.

Funding for military education infrastructure

During the meeting, Dendias focused on a recent institutional initiative undertaken by Archbishop George to fund the refurbishment of the large, architecturally emblematic amphitheatre at the Evelpidon Military Academy. The minister emphasized that the institution holds shared strategic importance for the defence posture of both nations. Cadets from both Greece and Cyprus attend the academy, creating shared operational foundations across both officer corps. Dendias remarked that the Archbishop's contribution extends beyond expressions of goodwill into practical, material assistance for military infrastructure. He stated that the Church contributes directly to the national defence effort through tangible projects rather than symbolic declarations alone.

Future leaders of the Greek Armed Forces, as well as the Cypriot National Guard, are trained at the Evelpidon School.

Security coordination and national obligations

Archbishop George thanked Dendias for his repeated visits to the Archdiocese and for the institutional respect demonstrated toward the Church of Cyprus. In his remarks, the Archbishop outlined the defence responsibilities shared between the two administrations, noting that the Greek defence ministry studies security issues concerning both Greece and Cyprus. He stated that Cyprus requires reinforcing declarations from Athens alongside firm assurances that an endangered segment of the nation receives the full support of Hellenism. The Archbishop made clear that the Church views its material assistance to Greece as a fundamental obligation rather than a generous favour deserving praise.

When Cyprus asks for the protection and support of Greece, it is the duty of the Church to do the small things it can to support the national effort.

Schedule for Cypriot Independence Day

The ministerial visit continues on Thursday, 1 October 2026, with a schedule of state events celebrating Cypriot independence. Dendias will travel to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia to lay a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III alongside the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Christodoulides will receive the Greek defence minister for bilateral talks at the presidential venue. Dendias will subsequently represent Greece at the official military parade commemorating the island republic's 66th anniversary. The events mark the formal conclusion of the Greek defence minister's official itinerary in Nicosia for the national anniversary.