Andreas Avraamides: E.O.K.A Hero 1955 -1959
The sacrifice of 20-year-old Andreas Avraamides from Tembri brings to light one of the most shocking and pure testimonies of the Struggle. A boundless passion for freedom burned in this young man, and even in his final moments, as the thread of his life suddenly snapped, he never lost his courage or his smile.
During his school years at Solea Gymnasium, Andreas always stood at the forefront. He took a leading role in school events, until the colonial authorities arrested him for organising an “illegal parade” and sentenced him to three months in prison. But prison did not break him; rather, it made him more determined. After his release, he threw himself into the Struggle with even greater enthusiasm, distributing leaflets, writing slogans, and undertaking the dangerous task of monitoring British agents.
The 1958 crisis and the Mission
In the summer of 1958, the situation in the area smells of gunpowder. With the tolerance of the British, there is a dangerous concentration of forces in Lefka. Commander Digenis immediately gives clear instructions to the Kakopetria – Galata sector chief to prepare the defences of the surrounding villages. In this atmosphere, homemade bombs are hastily built to support the local EOKA groups.
The terrible explosion at ‘Mersinia’
On the night of 3rd August 1958, Andreas Avraamidis, together with his close friend and comrade Andreas Ellinas, took on the risky task of transporting the material. As they moved through the darkness in the ‘Mersinia’ area of Tembria, carrying 27 bombs, a sudden, terrible explosion occurred.
Andreas Ellinas’ testimony about those first seconds breaks hearts: ‘At that moment Andreas was holding them. I saw my friend kneeling on the ground; I ran to him and touched him. I spoke to him. He didn’t answer. He was dead. A smile was painted on his face. We were saying something and laughing at that moment. He died with a smile on his lips and with a smile we sent him off peacefully.’ Andreas Avraamidis left standing, laughing at death, leaving behind the example of a young man who gave everything for his country without ever losing the purity and joy of his youth.
