Makarios III (August 13, 1913 – August 3, 1977) was a Greek Cypriot clergyman and politician, who served as the Archbishop and Primate of the autocephalous Church of Cyprus (1950–1977) and as the first President of Cyprus (1960–1977). In his three terms as President he survived four assassination attempts and a coup d'état. He is widely regarded by Greek Cypriots as the Father of the Nation.

On August 20, 1955, Greece submitted a petition to the United Nations requesting the application of the principle of self-determination to the people of Cyprus. After that, the colonial government of Cyprus enforced the anti-sedition laws for the purpose of preventing or suppressing demonstrations in favor of union with Greece; but the archbishop defied them and continued demanding self-determination for Cyprus. Makarios was exiled to Mahe Island in the Seychelles on 9 March 1956.

Makarios was released from exile after a year, although he was still forbidden to return to Cyprus. He went instead to Athens, where he was happily received. On March 1, 1959, the archbishop returned to Cyprus to an unprecedented reception in Nicosia, where almost two-thirds of the adult Greek Cypriot population turned out to welcome him. Presidential elections were held on 13 December 1959, in which Makarios defeated his rival, lawyer John Clerides. Makarios was to become the political leader of all Cyprus as well as the communal leader of the Greek Cypriots.

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