About Lampousa
Who We Are
Lampousa Cypriot American Association is a vibrant community organization that has been preserving Greek Cypriot heritage in America for nearly nine decades. Founded in 1937, we are a proud member of the Cyprus Federation of America.
Our name "Lampousa" comes from the ancient city of Lapithos (Lampousa) on the northern coast of Cyprus. This historic city, now under Turkish occupation, symbolizes our deep connection to our ancestral homeland and our commitment to keeping its memory alive.
We bring together Greek Cypriots and friends of Cyprus through cultural events, educational programs for our youth, philanthropic initiatives, and community support. Our organization is based in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, but our reach extends to all who share our love for Cyprus.
Read more about Who We Are
Our Mission
Lampousa’s mission is to promote and preserve our Greek Cypriot culture through events and programs; to support our community; and champion efforts toward the freedom of our land.
Preserve Our Culture
Promote and preserve our rich Greek Cypriot culture through cultural events and educational programs for our youth, ensuring our heritage is passed to future generations.
Support Our Community
Support our members and Cypriots in need with economic and moral assistance, standing together during both celebrations and challenging times.
Advocate for Freedom
Advocate for freedom of all Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, in coordination with the Cyprus Federation of America and PSEKA. δεν ξεχνώ - We do not forget.
Our History
Lampousa takes its name from the ancient city of Lampousa (Lapithos) on the northeastern coast of Cyprus—an area renowned for its rich Byzantine heritage. Historically, this region was one of the earliest centers of Greek civilization on the island.
In October 1937, Greek Cypriot immigrants from Karavas, Lapithos, and the surrounding region established the Lampousa Cypriot American Association in New York. Their mission was to enhance the social, moral, and intellectual welfare of their members; strengthen friendship and community bonds; and promote educational opportunities in their ancestral towns.
More than half a century after the tragic Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation of northern Cyprus—including our beloved Karavas and Lampousa region—the Association remains steadfast in its mission: to preserve our heritage, honor our ancestral homeland, and continue advocating for the freedom of Cyprus.
Read More About Our History
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Cultural Program for Youth
One of our proudest initiatives is our youth-focused cultural program, which continues to flourish. We offer:
- Free Cypriot folkloric dance lessons
- Lessons in Cypriot history and geography
- Educational day trips and cultural activities
- Pizza lunch at every dance lesson (free for member families!)
We believe in our responsibility to educate our children about our rich Greek Cypriot heritage and customs. The program resumes in January each year.
Special thanks to Dr. Eliana Antoniou, our Cultural Program Director, for inspiring our children to embrace and learn our Cypriot roots! To inquire about enrolling your children in our programs, please reach out to Eliana at youth@lampousa.org
Board of Directors
Stavros Kamilaris
President
Athena Patrikios, PharmD, MBA
Vice-President
Pannie Trifillis, Ph.D.
General Secretary
Despina Christodoulou, MBA
Treasurer
Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D.
Recording Secretary
Anastasia Gnardellis
Corresponding Secretary
Trustees
Sandy Antoniou, Dr. Stella Backos, Dr. Marios Christodoulou, Georgia Eleftheriou, Peter Frankiskou, Kyle Hopkins, Maria Kamilaris, Christina Miltiadou, Tasos Miltiadous, Dr. Ashley Mourkakos, Costas Papapetrou, Stavros Papapetrou, Nicholas Papas, Sotiroula Savva, Andreas Stavrou
Committees
Public Relations
Stavros Kamilaris
Costas Tsentas
Culture
Dr. Eliana Antoniou (Director)
Anastasia Kamilaris
Athena Patrikios
Christina Miltiadous
Philanthropy
Maria Kamilaris
Sotiroula Savva
Georgia Eleftheriou
Andrea Antoniou
Youth
Fotinia Bourboulis
Myria Bourboulis
Nefeli Miltiadou
Aspasia Papas
Philothei Papas
Yorgos Vassiliou
Eleni Vassiliou
Evva Vassiliou
Communications
Christos Christoudias
Anastasia Kamilaris
Athena Patrikios
Honorary Members
Philip Christopher, Kyriakos Pafitis †, George Prepis
Past Presidents
Christ Phoskos †, George Papoulas †, Aris Demetriou †, G. Nicolaou-Loutsios †, Dr. George Christoudias †, Evris Kontos †, Costas Tsentas
† Deceased
Become a Member
Join our community and help preserve our Greek Cypriot heritage for generations to come.
Membership Benefits
- Free Cypriot dance lessons to children of our member families. These also include lessons of geography and history of Cyprus along with pizza at each session.
- Free or reduced rates for the Dance group children at the major Lampousa events and educational expeditions.
- Voting rights at general membership meetings.
- Connect and collaborate with fellow Greek Cypriots.
- Connection with the Cyprus Consulate in New York.
- Support our community and our philanthropic initiatives.
- Help preserve our rich Cypriot heritage.
- Advocate with us to fight for justice and help free Cyprus from the Turkish occupation.
Annual membership dues help support our youth, cultural and philanthropic programs and activities.
How to Join
We welcome all Greek Cypriots and friends of Cyprus who share our mission and values. To become a member of Lampousa, we ask you to pay annual dues of $40 minimum per family in the form of a donation.
Pay DuesOur Affiliations
Lampousa is proud to work alongside these organizations in service of the Cypriot community.
Cyprus Federation of America
The umbrella organization of Cypriot American associations in the United States.
Visit WebsitePSEKA
International Coordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus" advocating for Cypriot rights.
Visit WebsiteHellenic Federation of New Jersey
Promoting and Preserving Hellenic Culture and Heritage in the Garden State and Beyond since 2009.
Visit Website