The Municipality of Pavlos Melas marked the 121st anniversary of the heroic sacrifice of Pavlos Melas with a series of commemorative events dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the Macedonian Struggle.
The ceremonies began on Sunday morning with an official liturgy at the Church of Saint Eleftherios in Stavroupoli, attended by flag bearers and students. This was followed by an event at the Pavlos Melas City Hall, featuring speeches, historical presentations, and artistic performances by the local educational community.
Keynote speaker Panagiota Gkatsiou, a PhD candidate in Modern History at the University of Macedonia, highlighted the historical and national significance of Pavlos Melas, describing him as a pivotal figure in preserving Greek identity in Macedonia.
Mayor Dimitris Aslanidis emphasized the enduring importance of remembrance and historical awareness. “Pavlos Melas was not merely an officer of the Greek army, but the embodiment of national awakening—the flame that reignited Macedonia’s yearning for freedom,” he stated. “His sacrifice is not a relic of the past but a living reminder that prosperity comes only through memory, ideals, and sacrifice.”
Aslanidis reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to honouring and promoting the hero’s legacy through educational, cultural, and historical initiatives. “The Pavlos Melas Metropolitan Park is not just a public space—it is a site of memory where history speaks to the present and inspires the future,” he added.
The commemoration concluded with theatrical performances and traditional dances by students of the 1st Lyceum and 5th Gymnasium of Stavroupoli, paying tribute to the spirit of the Macedonian Struggle.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Minister of Development for Research and Innovation Stavros Kalafatis, MP for Thessaloniki A’ Dimitris Kouvelas, Regional Councillor and President of the Development Agency of Central Macedonia Thanos Begas, and Athena Pavlidou, Director of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle Foundation.
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