Nicosia: The casket carrying the body of former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Giorgos Vassiliou, who died on Wednesday at the age of 94, arrived this morning at the Church of Holy Wisdom, in Strovolos, Nicosia, covered with the flag of Cyprus. The state funeral will be held later on Saturday, with honours of a sitting President.
According to Cyprus News Agency, upon the arrival of the body at the church, the Police Philharmonic played mournful marches, while a military band paid tribute. The National Anthem was then played. The casket, draped in the flag of the Republic of Cyprus, was carried to the church on a gun carriage and was later transferred inside on the shoulders of eight constables. The coffin was followed by his wife, Androulla Vassiliou, and other family members of the deceased until it was placed inside the church.
Currently, the family of the deceased is receiving condolences. The funeral, which will be attended by the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and the entire Cabinet, will begin at 13:00. The Greek Government will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis.