On Monday, October 19, 2026, the anniversary event “150 Years of Estia—Greece—Cyprus,” marking the 150th anniversary of Estia, was successfully held in the Ceremony Hall of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia, the anniversary event “150 Years of Estia—Greece—Cyprus,” marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the historic newspaper “Estia.”
The event took place in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, and the Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, Mr. Georgios, and brought together prominent figures from the political, diplomatic, academic, and journalistic communities.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The speeches highlighted the long history of “Estia,” its special relationship with Cyprus, and its contribution to shaping public discourse. At the same time, particular emphasis was placed on the role of journalism in the modern era, the preservation of historical memory, and the importance of Hellenic unity.
President of the Republic: The Press Plays a Crucial Role in the Age of Misinformation
In his remarks, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized the importance of free and responsible journalism, noting that in an era of misinformation, fake news, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the role of the press becomes even more essential to the functioning of democracy.
He addressed the challenges of the modern digital environment, reaffirming the government’s support for the print media and its respect for journalists’ right to criticize and hold the executive branch accountable.
He made special mention of “Estia’s” long-standing contribution to bringing the Cyprus issue to the forefront of public discourse in Greece, noting in particular that “those who believe that the Cyprus issue doesn’t ‘sell’ in Greece are completely mistaken.” At the same time, he publicly thanked the newspaper’s management, publishers, and journalists for their consistent interest in Cyprus.
Archbishop of Cyprus: Historical Memory and the Need for National Unity
The Archbishop of Cyprus, His Eminence George, noted that marking 150 years of continuous publication is a significant achievement, reflecting the enduring commitment of successive generations to the newspaper’s vision and principles.
He referred to “Estia’s” contribution to documenting significant political, social, and historical developments, while also highlighting the need to acknowledge the mistakes of the past, including the newspaper’s stance during the period of the dictatorship in Greece and its confrontation with Archbishop Makarios.
Emphasizing the importance of national unity, he noted: “We cannot afford the luxury of division today. In the face of a common danger, we must join forces.” Finally, he expressed his hope that “Estia” would continue to serve the truth, the public, and the interests of Hellenism.
Prokopis Pavlopoulos: Cyprus, International Law, and Responsibility Toward Future Generations
The former President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos, highlighted “Estia’s” historic relationship with Cyprus, noting that the newspaper has been “inextricably linked to Cyprus” and the struggles of the Cypriot Greek community.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, he underscored the importance of international and European law, emphasizing the need for a federal solution and rejecting the possibility of a confederal arrangement. At the same time, he highlighted the European Union’s responsibility to provide substantial support to the Republic of Cyprus as a member state.
In closing his speech, he referred to the importance of Hellenic unity and the responsibility to preserve our historical heritage, posing the question of what kind of Greece and what kind of Cyprus we owe it to future generations to pass on.
Petros Papapolyviou: 150 Years of History Through the Pages of “Estia”
Mr. Petros Papapolyviou, Assistant Professor of Modern Greek History in the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Cyprus, spoke about the newspaper’s historical journey.
Through a historical retrospective, he presented the role of the Kyros family, which was associated with the newspaper’s management from 1900 to 2015, as well as the contribution of “Estia” in promoting Cypriot causes.
He made special mention of the newspaper’s support for Cypriot associations in Athens, the October Uprising of 1931, the 1950 Unification Referendum, and the EOKA struggle, as well as the political controversies that followed the shift from the goal of union to that of independence.
As he pointed out, the history of “Estia” constitutes an important field of study within the broader history of Hellenism from 1876 to the present, while also highlighting the importance of journalism for democracy, transparency, and keeping citizens informed.
Celebrating 150 Years in Cyprus Is a Matter of Honor
Welcoming the attendees, the Director of “Estia,” Mr. Manolis Kottakis, described the celebration of the newspaper’s 150th anniversary in Cyprus as a “matter of honor,” highlighting its historical ties to the island.
As he noted, “Estia” has been and continues to be the voice of Cyprus in Athens, highlighting issues of national importance and promoting the need for unity among the Greek people.
For his part, the publisher of “Estia,” Mr. Ioannis Filippakis, spoke about the newspaper’s relationship with Cyprus, which dates back almost to the time of its founding in 1876. He emphasized the newspaper’s enduring commitment to the truth, describing it as a beacon of dignity, prudence, courage, and Greek continuity, while assuring that it would continue to defend Cyprus and highlight the issues of concern to the Greek world.
An anniversary of historical and symbolic significance
The event was attended, among others, by the former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, the Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of political parties, and members of the academic community. The event was coordinated by the Director of “Estia,” Mr. Manolis Kottakis.
The anniversary event in Nicosia highlighted the strong historical ties between “Estia” with Cyprus, confirming that the 150th anniversary is not only an occasion to look back on the past but also an opportunity to reflect on the future of journalism, the responsibility toward historical truth, and the importance of the unity of the Greek world.
