History of the Lampousa Cypriot American Association

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. During the Greco-Roman era, Greek city-states established colonies across Cyprus, including the northern coastline where Laconian settlers founded the town of Lapithos.

Lapithos grew into a powerful city-state and later became one of the nine ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. During the early Christian period, it rose in prominence as the seat of a bishopric. The region is also home to the Byzantine Monastery of Acheropiitou, and it is world-famous for the discovery of the Lampousa Silver Trays—masterpieces of early Byzantine metalwork now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the Cyprus Museum.

Across the plains of Lampousa lie the historic townships of Karavas and Lapithos, whose residents over time migrated across the world. Like so many in the Greek diaspora, they prospered abroad but never forgot their homeland.

Founding of the Association

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; support one another in civic and social advancement; and promote educational opportunities in their ancestral towns.

The society's early leadership included its first president, Christos Foskos, followed by George Papoulas, George Nicolaou, and Aristides Demetriou—all of whom guided the organization through its formative years.

Our Legacy of Service

Over the decades, Lampousa has worked tirelessly alongside Cypriot organizations worldwide. Its contributions have supported causes such as the Cyprus Sanatorium, the Cyprus Emergency Relief Committee, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and national humanitarian initiatives including the American Red Cross. One of the Association's proudest achievements was helping fund and establish the Church of Saint Peter in Karavas in 1968.

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.