Humble Beginnings in Rural Cyprus
Stylianos Lenas entered the world in 1931 in Chandria village, Limassol district. His parents, Christofis and Athena Lena, were respected local farmers. He grew up as one of eight siblings in a tight-knit family. The Lena household nurtured strong Greek Cypriot values. Young Stylianos showed exceptional promise from childhood.
Education and Early Patriotism
Lenas attended the prestigious Pancyprian Gymnasium in Nicosia. His school years revealed his natural leadership qualities. Even as a student, he demonstrated remarkable courage. The colonial oppression he witnessed fueled his revolutionary spirit.
Answering the Call to Arms
April 1955 marked Lenas’ first major EOKA operation. As one of Nicosia’s first five squad leaders, he struck Woodley Barracks. This bold attack announced EOKA’s resistance to British rule.
Daring Operations Against the British
On June 19, 1955, Lenas joined the attempted assassination of Governor Armitage. Hero Markos Drakos fought alongside him in this operation. By August, he relocated to Lysi for safety. There, he trained Famagusta’s reserve sabotage units.
Mountain Guerrilla Warfare
Lenas later joined Grigoris Afxentiou in Pentadaktylos mountains. The rugged terrain became their battleground against colonial forces. Together, they executed numerous successful guerrilla attacks.
Master Bombmaker of the Resistance
November 1955 brought a new assignment – Pitsilia sector. Lenas became Afxentiou’s deputy for southern Pitsilia. He established a secret workshop in Agros village. The Papachristodoulou family house became his bomb factory.
The “Giant” of EOKA’s Arsenal
Lenas specialized in crafting MK2 grenades. His technical skills produced most of EOKA’s explosives. Fellow fighters nicknamed him “Giant” for his crucial role. Each explosive device carried his signature craftsmanship.
Enduring Legacy
Lenas’ innovations gave EOKA a crucial tactical advantage. His bombs struck fear into British forces. Today, Cyprus remembers him as both warrior and weapons master. His dual legacy lives on in Cyprus’ struggle for independence.
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The Heroic Last Stand
In January 1957, after the betrayals that struck Pitsilia, the hand of betrayal shows the hideouts in Papachristodoulou’s houses in Agros and Lena, rewarded with the large sum of five thousand for the time, is forced to leave his workshop.
He is transferred along with his seven-member team to a safe hideout in Gerasa. Pursued by the British, he clashed three successive times with English patrols.
On February 17, he and his team were ambushed by the British, where two of his comrades were killed, while he was seriously wounded and arrested by the British.
He was transferred to the military hospital of Akrotiri.
The British believed that Lena, severely wounded, would succumb to their torture and reveal important information about the organization. However, the answer they received from the E.O.K.A. giant was always negative.
For thirty-nine consecutive days, Lena struggled severely wounded by the torture of the British. On March 28, 1957, he moved to Athanasia, dying in front of his father’s eyes.
The “Giant” of EOKA is now dead and with fear of popular uprisings at his funeral, he is buried in the Imprisoned Graves.
Stylianos Lena became a great example of bravery and patriotism for his comrades and for us today.
Legacy and Honours
Cyprus remembers Lenas as a national hero. Streets, schools, and monuments bear his name. His sacrifice fuelled the independence movement. In 1960, Cyprus finally gained freedom from British rule. Today, Cypriots honour his memory every year.
A Symbol of Youth and Bravery
Stylianos Lenas represents the courage of young freedom fighters. His story teaches the value of sacrifice for one’s country. New generations learn about his heroism in schools. His spirit lives on in Cyprus’ fight for justice and liberty.
Stylianos Lenas remains an eternal symbol of Cypriot resistance. His legacy continues to inspire pride and patriotism.
