This is a grand Greek Orthodox church, complete with bells! Just as there are LDS churches all over Utah, there are Greek Orthodox churches all over Cyprus. Their stone architecture and red tile roofs are strikingly beautiful.
We have very few Cypriot members. The Greeks are very strong in tradition and it is very hard to leave the church. Many people feel that if you aren’t Greek Orthodox, then you aren’t Greek!
Our church has the 3rd floor of this building, the Eagle Star House. We have a chapel, 3 classrooms and an office. No bell tower. In fact, we aren’t even recognized as a church on the island. We are considered a business – the Cyprus Association of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Someday we hope to get Religious status but for now, we do what we can.
Our little branch gathered together to watch the first session of Conference live on Saturday night at 7 pm. Then again, on Sunday morning we gathered to watch the taped second Saturday session. We had almost twenty people come to the Sunday morning session – it was a big turn-out for us. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture!!!
When it comes to branches we are tiny. Our elders work very hard to bring people to a knowledge of the Gospel. Most of these new converts are refugees and will return to their home countries in a few years. We miss them but hope that they go home with faith and a desire to build up the church in their own lands.
The church is very small here but it is fun to get to know people even for a short time. I met Natalia (from Russia) who was my daughter-in-law’s first companion on her mission to Ukraine. She lives here so I will get to know her well!
The Christensen’s are from Spokane valley. He was playing European Basketball. They’ve since gone home and we miss them.
Mauricio and Julieth are from Colombia and they run the branch. He is Branch President and she is Relief Society President. We have no primary as yet, but the Elders are teaching a few young families so stay tuned….:-)
krhofhiens.com 