Orthodox Traditions Club of PASCAL Private Secondary School, Lefkosia, Visits Paphos

The members of our Orthodox Traditions Club visited the town of Paphos as part of the Club’s comprehensive experiential journey, designed to bring students into contact with the roots of the Orthodox faith and the rich historical heritage of the island of Cyprus. Between the 25^th and 26^th of April, the pupils, accompanied by our Religious Knowledge teachers Mr. Marios Thrasyvoulou and Mr. Loizos Loizides, participated in a two-day programme which harmoniously combined spiritual reflection with educational exploration.

At the heart of the excursion were visits to places of great religious significance, such as the Holy Monastery of Saint Neophytos, where students had the opportunity to tour the "Enkleistra" (Hermitage), admire the Byzantine iconography, and experience the solemn atmosphere of the Vespers service. This spiritual path culminated with the Sunday service at the Metropolis of Paphos, on the following day.

The educational aspect of the trip was reinforced through visits to sites of great cultural interest. Getting to know the Cypriot countryside in the village of Simou and visiting the local museum offered valuable insights into folk tradition. Furthermore, the tour of the historical monuments of Kato Paphos allowed students to understand the enduring significance of the region as a crossroads of civilizations and a cradle of Christianity.

The excursion concluded with moments of relaxation at the picturesque Paphos harbor, leaving the participants with the best of impressions. Through this pilgrimage, students did not only gain historical knowledge but also strengthened their Orthodox identity and their love for our cultural heritage, returning home enriched with beautiful memories and spiritual fortitude.