The Maronites of Cyprus

THE MARONITES OF CYPRUS 17 Important Personalities The Maronite community’s contribution to the development and prosperity of Cyprus dates back to its arrival on the island. Maronites initially served as soldiers, then became farmers and land owners. Today many Maronites are entrepreneurs while their contribution to the letters, the arts and the sciences in Cyprus is substantial. The Maronites who played an important role in the development of the community and in the development of Cyprus in general include the following politicians: • Joseph Yamakis (1918-2004), Nicosia MP with the Patriotic Front at the first parliamentary elections of the Republic of Cyprus. • John Mavrides (1922-1992), Maronite Representative for over 25 years. • Avraam Antoniou (1928-2001), General Secretary of the Pancyprian Federation of Labour (PEO) and an MP with the AKEL party for the Nicosia district. • Fr. Joseph Triantaphyllides (1873-1945), who, in addition to Vicar General, also served as a Legislative Council member during British colonial rule. • Telesforos Nacouzi (1916-1968) spearheaded the establishment of the Social Insurance Department of the Republic of Cyprus and served as its first Director. • The current Maronite Representative in the House of Representatives, Antonis Haji Roussos, has been elected for four consecutive terms since 1996. The clerics who deserve special mention for their support of the Maronite community through exceedingly difficult times include Chorepiscopi John Cirilli (1888-1925) and John Foradaris (1909-2000), Fr. Antony Terzis (1907-2007) and the Abbot of Prophet Elias’ Monastery, Fr. Andreas Frangos (1916-2000), a pioneer in the effort to erect a new church in Ayia Marina. The inhabitants of the village were unable to enjoy the church, however, because of the 1974 Turkish invasion. In the letters and the arts, Filissa Hadjihanna (1947-1999) was a leading figure in the production of educational programmes and Elias Partellas (1911-2002) was Headmaster of the Terra Santa Elementary School – both made important contributions as educators. Antonis Hadji Alexandrou Liatsou (1899-1983) was a distinguished jurisprudent. A large number of Maronites excel today in business, in the sciences and in culture and politics, both in Cyprus and abroad.