The 162nd anniversary of the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece (21 May 1864) was commemorated with a series of events in Kythera. This year's anniversary events took place in Kythera Chora, in the presence of representatives of the state, the local government, the armed forces, the security forces and a large number of citizens.
The programme began with the official Doxology ceremony at the Metropolitan Church of the Crucifixion, presided over by the Metropolitan of Kythera and Antikythera, Mr Seraphim.
Afterwards, the attendees went to Stai Square, where a memorial service was held at the Memorial of the Fallen. This was followed by the laying of wreaths by the representatives of the institutions:
Government: Secretary General of Shipping and Ports, Mr. Evangelos Kyriazopoulos.
The Greek Parliament: MP for Piraeus and Islands, Mr. Nikolaos Vlachakos.
Municipality of Kythira: Mayor, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis.
Commission for the Domestic Property of Kythera and Antikythera: President, Mr. Evangelos Venardos.
Opposition Municipality of Kythera: Municipal Councillor and head of the faction «ALL TOGETHER», Mr. Zacharias Souris.
Navy: Commander of the «DEGIANNIS», Commander Mr. Dimitrios Anagnostopoulos (PN).
Air Force: Head of TACAN Kythira, Chief Engineer Mr. Nikolaos Serrefas.
Greek Police: Representative of the Kythera Police Station, Lieutenant Christos Moschovos.
Coast Guard: Commander of the B’ L/T Kythera, Lieutenant (Lt) Mrs. Niki Giannakopoulou.
Fire Department: Head of the Kythera P/K, Captain Spyridon Fountoulakis.
Union of Ionian Greeks: κ. Emmanuel Kasimatis.
Learning Youth: Representative of Kythera High School, student Maria-Nikoletta Pavlaki.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, a minute's silence was observed. The River Philharmonic Orchestra played the National Anthem, which was sung at the same time by a special forces troop.
The solemn speech of the day was delivered by the philologist of the Kythera High School, Ms. Yanna Dikaiou, who referred to the historical chronicle of the Union of the Ionian Islands.
The events were completed with the presentation of traditional dances by students of Kythera and the traditional parade of the student and military sections.
