THE
ARMENIANS
OF CYPRUS
24
The Armenian-Cypriot community has a number of very active cultural and social clubs, including the following:
•
Homenetmen-AYMA (Armenian Young Men’s Association). Established in Nicosia in 1934, it is the leading
Armenian-Cypriot club. Its premises are located near the Virgin Mary cathedral in Strovolos, Nicosia, on land
leased by the government.
•
AGBU (Armenian General Benevolent Union), with chapters in Nicosia (1913), Larnaka (1912) and Limassol (1936).
The Nicosia AGBU is located next to the Melkonian, while the Larnaka AGBU is located opposite the District
Archaeological Museum; the Limassol chapter currently has no club house.
•
Armenian Club, which was established in Larnaka in 1931, is presently housed in rented premises opposite the
Prelature of Citium.
•
LHEM (Limassol Armenian Young Men’s Association). Established in Limassol in 1996, it currently has no club house.
•
Nor Serount Cultural Association. Established in Nicosia in 2005, it currently has no club house.
All three traditional Armenian political parties have a presence in Cyprus: Dashnaktsoutiun (“Karenian”
chapter, 1947), Ramgavar (“Tekeyan” chapter, 1956) and Hunchakian (since 2005).
Organisations
l
The champion and cup holder AGBU-Ararat
futsal team (2007).
l
The 77th Cyprus Scout Group of Cyprus
(Homenetmen-AYMA: 2015).
l
The renowned “Sipan” dance group (2015).