On Saturday 20th December 2014, a surprise birthday party for Andreas Karaolis, Executive Secretary of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, and a well known figure in the community, was thrown by his family at the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood in Finchley.

It was an emotional moment for Mr Karaolis as he entered the room and was greeted by 100 of his closest friends, associates and relatives. Amongst them was Sir Alan Meale MP, President of POMAK Andreas Papaevripides, Vice Presidents of the National Federation Bambos Charalambous, Michalis Ellinas and Ninos Koumettos, Honorary Vice President of the Federation Christodoulos Stylianou, Chairperson of the Cypriot Community Centre Suzie Constantinides, Chairman of the Morphou District Association Takis Fridas, and members of the Management Committee of the Brotherhood.

As friends and family raised their glasses to Mr Karaolis, his wife Mary, President of the Association of Rizokarpasso in Britain, spoke of the man she has spent 32 years of her life with….

“Today is a really great day. A day of celebration in honour of my wonderful husband Andreas, who was born 75 years ago today in Morphou and spent his early career in education in Cyprus and London. Andreas and I have been married for nearly 32 years and they have been great years in so many ways.

“We met at the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, (where else would we meet!) in Fitzroy Square in Autumn 1982. We had a whirlwind romance, got engaged in the February half term week in 1983 and married in the Easter holidays of 1983. Our first son, Christos, was born in the Easter holidays of 1984, followed by Gregory in the Summer holidays of 1985 and George January 1987. A number of you here will remember our marriage and the arrival of our sons.

“Throughout the years we have remained close, understand each other well and we depend on each other in all kinds of ways – and it is marvellous. I love him and thank him for accepting me for who I am – allowing me to be me and still loving me in spite of it.”

Mrs Karaolis continued, “Andreas is a man who works hard for Cyprus, for the National Federation of Cypriots, for the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, for the community and for his family. He pushes forward with enthusiastic optimism regardless of the struggles and obstacles that are placed in front of him. He knows, that he cannot fail, for him, that’s not an option.

“He is the smartest person that I know, and believe me, I know a lot of people. He has tremendous resilience under pressure and his mental strength and sheer drive is mind-boggling.

“He has an amazing ability to zone everything out and concentrate when working, watching a football match, or watching RIK TV, especially “Ithisis” “Petrenon Potami” and “Patates Antinachtes” – fortunately we have 3 TV’s in the house.

“I love his sense of humour and his compassion. When friends, family or members of the community need him, he’s always there. He is very forgiving and non-judgemental.

“I am proud of Andreas and everything that he has accomplished. I am forever grateful of the love that we share and of our family and I look forward to our many future years together – I am sure they will be as wonderful and the ones in the past,” Mrs Karaolis concluded.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening with plenty of food and wine and dancing to the music of Nicos Shakolas’ band.

Hronia Polla Mr Karaolis!