The Maronites of Cyprus

THE MARONITES OF CYPRUS 24 Foundations and Clubs The determination of the Maronite community to survive and to preserve its cultural identity following the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey has led to the proliferation of community clubs and the creation of foundations and infrastructure to facilitate the community’s regrouping and consolidation. Maronites currently operate the following foundations: ● Scene from a gathering of the 99th Maronite Scouts Group. ● The renovated building of the old kindergarten in Kormakitis, which presently operates as Folkloric Museum. ● The Asomatos Youth Association football team. • The Maronite Welfare Association of Cyprus, established in 1996 by initiative of the Maronite Representative. • The “Saint Anthony” Old People’s Home, which houses elderly Maronites and Greek-Cypriots, was founded and built in 2001 in Anthoupolis by initiative of the Maronite Representative, through government and community subsidies. • The AMKKA (Ayia Marina, Kormakitis, Karpasha, Asomatos) Cooperative Savings Bank was established in 1998, also an initiative of the Maronite Representative. AMKKA acts as a connecting link with the Service for Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate financial transactions for the enclaved. • The Chorepiscopus John Foradaris Foundation (2000). Maronites have an active social presence, with numerous culture, sport and youth clubs. The following clubs are involved in sports and have football teams: • “Kormakitis” Club was established in 1992 and has a clubhouse in the heart of Nicosia, next to the Virgin Mary of Graces cathedral. • Kedros Ayias Marinas Skyllouras was established in 1967 and has a clubhouse in Kochatis. • Asomatos Youth Association was established in 1951 and is housed in a rented clubhouse in Ayios Pavlos, Nicosia. • Anthoupolis Maronites’ Association was established in 1987 and is housed in a rented clubhouse in Anthoupolis.