The Association of Expatriates and Friends of Pedoulas was established during Easter of 1982, at a general assembly held at the Pedoulas Gymnasium. It was the result of an initiative by a group of forward-thinking Pedoulas expatriates who were concerned about the continuing decline of the community due to urban migration and emigration.

The primary aim of the Association has always been the selfless offering of all types of support to the community, in order to promote its revitalization, progress, and development. Achieving this goal relies on uniting the efforts of all fellow villagers—both residents and expatriates—and closely collaborating with the local authorities of Pedoulas. Within this framework, the Association consistently strives to maintain excellent cooperation with the Community Council, supporting its initiatives in every possible way.

Objectives of the Association:

As detailed in its approved Constitution, the Association’s aims include:

  • Strengthening the bonds between expatriates and their birthplace.
  • Encouraging closer cooperation among Pedoulas expatriates around the world.
  • Keeping the global diaspora informed about the current state of the village, its needs and challenges, and encouraging individual involvement in addressing them.
  • Mobilizing and coordinating the efforts of the diaspora towards constructive action for the benefit of the village.
  • Initiating and collaborating with local authorities and residents to promote community needs and resolve issues.
  • Supporting the village’s growth and progress through infrastructure projects, making it a model countryside resort or even a permanent residence.
  • Combating urban migration and encouraging the return or resettlement of permanent or seasonal residents.
  • Promoting educational and cultural activities in the village.
  • Preserving traditional customs and values.
  • Leveraging programs, grants, and sponsorships from both the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.
  • Publishing informational and promotional materials about Pedoulas.
  • Managing websites to effectively communicate with the public, exchange ideas, and further the Association’s goals.
  • Collaborating with other emigrant associations in Cyprus and abroad.
  • Promoting the overall prosperity, progress, and development of Pedoulas.

Membership Eligibility:

Any person over the age of 18 can become a regular member if they are:

a) A Pedoulas native residing elsewhere in Cyprus.
b) A Pedoulas native living abroad.
c) A person not born in Pedoulas, but who is married to someone of Pedoulas descent or has family roots from Pedoulas through a parent or grandparent, and lives outside the village.
d) A non-native of Pedoulas who owns property in the village and resides elsewhere.
e) A friend of Pedoulas, upon recommendation by a regular member.

The Association currently counts approximately 600 members, not including those living abroad.

Financial Resources:

The Association’s funds mainly come from annual membership fees (€10 only), occasional donations, and events.

Governance:

The Association is managed by a Board of Directors and an Audit Committee, consisting of 9 and 3 members respectively, elected every three years. Regional Committees also operate in Nicosia and Limassol. The Association has branches in Australia and the United Kingdom, though cooperation with these has declined in recent years. The last elections took place in August 2024.

Current Board of Directors:

  • President: Alkis Avgoustis
  • Vice President: Dimos Stylianou
  • Secretary: Aphrodite Pavlou
  • Assistant Secretary: Anastasia Pilavaki
  • Treasurer: Yiannos Savvidis
  • Assistant Treasurer: Savvas Koureas
  • Member: Maria Avgousti
  • Member: Ioanna Loizidou
  • Member: Christos Philippou

Audit Committee:

  • Michalis Theocharous
  • Marios Pafitis
  • Loukia Kaminara

Nicosia District Committee:

  • President: Michalis Theocharous
  • Vice President: Maria Avgousti
  • Secretary: Despo Konstantinou
  • Assistant Secretary: Maria Kosta
  • Treasurer: Marios Lylonas
  • Assistant Treasurer: Savvas Koureas
  • Members: Maroula Rodia, Danae Sergi, Dimitris Dimitriou, Yola Sergidou, Stavroula Panayiotou, Maria Leventi, Giorgos Charalambous

Limassol District Committee:

  • President: Soula Christou
  • Vice President: Stavros Sofocleous
  • Secretary: Frosso Achilleos
  • Treasurer: Stelios Antoniou
  • Assistant Treasurer: Thaleia Prokopiou
  • Members: Maria Karoula, Avgi Antoniou, Rita Nerouppou

Contact:

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Notable Contributions:

Since its foundation, the Association has played a vital role in the development and support of the Pedoulas community. With the help of major benefactors (Association members), its own resources, and cooperation with local authorities, it has undertaken or contributed to numerous projects, including:

  • Founding the Byzantine Museum
  • Founding the Folklore Museum
  • Building new chapels (Stavros tis Fythkias, Agios Raphael, Agios Panayiotis) and maintaining others
  • Renovating and decorating the main church of the Holy Cross
  • Constructing and maintaining memorials and busts for heroes and missing persons
  • Erecting busts of benefactors Vasos Hajioannou and Andreas Ellinas
  • Creating Trikolonon Park and the Charalambos & Theodosia Kourris Park
  • Constructing a new water supply system
  • Developing new parking areas
  • Widening main roads and paving rural roads
  • Establishing twin-town relationships with Paiania (Athens) and Trikolonoi (Arcadia)
  • Financially supporting the local hospital, schools, irrigation committee, and community library
  • Publishing six issues of the “O PEDOULAS” magazine and an English book titled “The Village of Pedoulas”
  • Organizing tree planting initiatives

Events and Cultural Activities:

To foster friendship and unity among villagers and friends of the community, the Association organizes various cultural, recreational, and charitable events—often in cooperation with the Community Council. These include:

  • Cherry Festival
  • Celebrations for Palouze and Zivania
  • Christmas, Carnival, and Easter festivities
  • A rich summer program with dinner dances, musical evenings, theatrical and film performances, and bingo nights

The Association also promotes volunteerism and encourages youth engagement, aiming to foster appreciation for tradition and their homeland.

Past Presidents:

  • †Vasos P. Vassilopoulos (1982–1985)
  • †Andreas H. Pogiatjis (1985–1989)
  • †Loizos Karamichalis (1989–2003)
  • †Yiannakis Epameinondas (2003–2009)
  • †Andreas Rodias (2009–2013)
  • Michalakis A. Pogiatjis (2013–2015)
  • Alkis Avgoustis (2015–Present)