FIRST STEPS TAKEN TO ORGANISE THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF PAPHOS

Gibrahayer
8 December 08
Nicosia

Simon Aynedjian – Gibrahayer – Nicosia 8 December – With the initiative
of the Armenian MP in the Cyprus Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian, the
Armenian community of Cyprus challenged fate on December 7, 2008 by
answering to the anniversary of the earthquake that hit Armenia two
decades ago, by taking a symbolic and courageous step in organising
the Armenian community of Paphos.

With the brotherly support of Bishop Yeoryios of Paphos, who opened
the doors of the Greek Orthodox Church of Paphos to the growing
community of Paphos, more than 100 Armenians in Paphos joined the
organisers to prayers and a memorial to the souls of the thousands
of earthquake victims of Armenia.

The Holy Liturgy was delivered by Der Momik Habeshian, which was
followed by a gathering of the Armenian community of Paphos took
place at Saint George Hotel with leaders of our community, MP Vartkes
Mahdessian and Chairmen of the Temagan and Varchagan Bodies, Sebouh
Tavitian and Dr. Antranik Ashdjian.

The discussion with the Paphos community highlighted the importance
of an Armenian Day-School, the need for more frequent religious
ceremonies, opportunities for the Paphos community to come together
socially and the need to be integrated in both the Armenian and
Cypriot societies.