Anastasios Oikonomidis

Anastasios Oikonomidis is by definition the most historic administrative figure of Anorthosis. An ideal leader, he worked with genuine love, immeasurable devotion and selflessness for the greatness of Anorthosis. He was distinguished for his impeccable and adamantine character, his morals, principles and high ideals, his patriotism and his adherence to national ideals.

He was born in Nicosia in 1898 and settled in Famagusta in 1904. His father, Charalambos Economidis, a Cretan by origin, was a founding member of Anorthosis. Since he was only 14 years old, he is already an active member of the Anorthosis Famagusta Association. He was raised in a family with a rich contribution to national competitions. His brother Vasilios was killed during the Balkan wars while his second brother Miltiadis also fought in the same period.

Anastasios Oikonomidis studied at the Gymnastic Academy of Athens and in 1923 he was appointed a Physical Education teacher at the Famagusta High School and the Girls' High School. He got involved in the administration of the Association for the first time in 1927 when he was elected secretary. At that time the office of president had been abolished and reinstated in 1940. For the next 34 years, until 1961, he served continuously, either holding the highest administrative office (1927-1940, 1955-1961), or as secretary (1940-1955 ) performing commendable and invaluable work. Also, he was one of the editors of the Association's statutes.

He was a pioneer, the main founder, the "father" of the creation of the club's sports departments. From the beginning of the 1920s, he was involved with the organization of football, volleyball, water sports and classical sports teams. Whole generations passed through his firm hands. He was especially loved by the students and allowed them to exercise by playing football at a time when it was forbidden in schools.

He also served as a coach of GSE, unpaid. It is also noteworthy that during the construction of the GSE stadium, in the early 20's, he was entrusted with the entire responsibility of supervising the works.

But his activity was not limited to Anorthosis and GSE. He was a pioneer in every national, social and charitable organization, having intense action and involvement. In 1954 he was elected among the eight representatives of Famagusta in the Cypriot National Assembly. He was also the publisher of the "Akropolis" newspaper and the owner of the "Rhythmos" printing house, which was housed in the gallery under the house of Anorthosis, which was blown up by the British in 1958.

On July 8, 1958, after the building was blown up, he uttered those touching and prophetic words, which will forever stigmatize Anorthosis.

"Don't be mistaken, the spirit of Anorthosis is not afraid, it is not destroyed, and our beautiful Anorthosis, like the Phoenix that is its emblem, will be reborn again, to continue its historic and great course."

A few days later, he was arrested by the British and imprisoned in the Pyla¹ detention center together with two other members of the Board of Directors, Mousis Mantzalos and Spyros Ilias for a period of 3-4 months.

On January 22, 1961, the General Assembly unanimously declared him honorary president of the Association, as a minimal sign of recognition of his enormous and unparalleled contribution.

On this day, July 10, 1974, he died at the age of 76 and was buried in Limassol where he lived from 1958 onwards. Anastasios Oikonomides is classified in that special category of blessed people, who served the Anorthosis for a long time, tirelessly and faithfully.

Source: Book - A Century of Anorthosis of Famagusta