President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus delivered a moving speech in memory of the late Nikos Mouyiaris, a distinguished member of the Cypriot diaspora in the U.. The event, organized by the Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies at Rutgers University, celebrated Mouyiaris’ immense contributions to his homeland.
President Christodoulides highlighted Mouyiaris’ deep patriotism and unwavering dedication to the Cyprus cause. He described Mouyiaris as a “fighter in every sense of the word” who worked tirelessly for the reunification of the island through his involvement with organizations like PSEKA.
Nikos Mouyiaris: A life of giving
Mouyiaris, who passed away in 2019, was also a passionate supporter of Greek culture, a love reflected in his patronage of the Elytis Chair, a testament to his special affection for the poetry of Odysseas Elytis. The President noted that Mouyiaris’ life and legacy resonated with the themes of Elytis’ masterpiece, Axion Esti.
A poor student from Cyprus, Mouyiaris pursued studies in chemical engineering at Rutgers and St. John’s Universities, took a $6,000 loan, and founded Mana Products, Inc.—one of the world’s leading contract and private label cosmetics manufacturers. As a true believer in the American Dream, Nikos was particularly moved when his personal journey was marked with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Mouyiaris was certainly an example of the American Dream, but he was also examplary of the Greek-American Dream. He reached the pinnacle of American life — in business, philanthropy, civic involvement — while prioritizing Hellenism every single day.
A Greek proverb holds that “a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Mouyiaris planted entire forests. He founded HALC and gave it the mandate to quickly cultivate tomorrow’s leaders in the Greek-American Community, one of his biggest passions.
Cyprus: From problem to solution
In his address, President Christodoulides challenged the notion of Cyprus being perpetually defined by the Cyprus problem. While acknowledging the ongoing struggle for liberation and reunification as the top priority, he stressed that Cyprus should not be seen as a “hostage to history,” a phrase coined by author Christopher Hitchens.
Instead, the President framed Cyprus as a crucial “solution to many issues,” a stable and reliable partner in a volatile region. He emphasized its strategic geographical position as a natural and cultural bridge between continents. This advantage, combined with its status as an EU member state, allows Cyprus to serve as a gateway connecting the region with the EU and the US.
Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus’s role in promoting regional stability through initiatives like Amaltheia, which provides humanitarian aid to Gaza, and its assistance in evacuating foreign nationals during crises. The country’s growing role in energy is also a key factor, with the discovery of natural gas reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) fostering partnerships with major energy giants such as Exxon and Chevron.
Nikos Mouyiaris exemplifies influential role played by diaspora
The Cypriot President noted that bilateral relations between the US and Cyprus have never been stronger, reaching a strategic level in all areas. He praised the vital role of the Cypriot diaspora in the US, particularly their contributions to the pursuit of a just solution for Cyprus and the strengthening of Cypriot-American relations. He singled out Nikos Mouyiaris as a prime example of this influential role.
To honor Mouyiaris’ legacy, President Christodoulides announced a donation of $20,000 on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus to the Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies, ensuring the continuation of its valuable work.
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