About Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus):

Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an independent, sovereign island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a European Union member state, having gained independence from Britain in 1960. Although there is no record of it, there is speculation that Saint Francis may have stopped here. Records do indicate that there were Franciscans on the island in the year 1226, the year that he died. Subsequent to that, several friaries and churches were built, but later destroyed when the Turks conquered the island in 1571.

Cyprus officially became an independent republic from the United Kingdom on August 16, 1960, following a four-year guerrilla war. Under the 1960 independence treaties, Greece, Turkey, and the UK are recognized as guarantor powers with the legal right to intervene. In 1974 a Greek-backed military coup deposed Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios with the aim of uniting the island with Greece. Citing its role as a guarantor power, Turkey launched “Operation Attila”, a full-scale military invasion, on July 20, 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriots and prevent the union, leading to a permanent, violent division of the island.

As a result, although it is one country, Cyprus today is physically and politically divided between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, making for a very uneasy peace..

The northern third of the island is controlled by Turkish Cypriots (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey); while the southern two-thirds of the island is controlled by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus. A UN-patrolled buffer zone separates the two sides, dividing the capital, Nicosia.

There are some Catholic churches and active, small Catholic communities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), primarily serving residents, foreign students, and tourists.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church (Kyrenia/Girne): Located near the Dome Hotel, this church serves as a major hub with regular masses, often held on Sundays.

Holy Cross Church (Nicosia/Lefkoşa)

Occasional services or small congregations exist, including areas like Famagusta, with support for Maronite Catholic communities in the Karpaz region.

Catholic places of interest in the Republic of Cyprus:

Nicosia: Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia or Lefkoşa, is the capital of Cyprus.

Holy Cross Church: The capital city of Nicosia is home to Holy Cross Church, located near the Palace of Ledra. Part of the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate for Cyprus, this church in the northern part of Nicosia holds regular services. This is a main hub for the Roman Catholic community in the capital, featuring multiple chapels, which is administered under the Franciscans by the Latin Patriarchate of the Holy Land.

In addition to Greek, Masses are offered Saturdays or Sundays in seven other languages, including: English, French, Tagalog and Polish. There is daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well.

Larnaca (Larnarka): a port city on the south coast of Cyprus, known for Finikoudes Beach, a sandy strip in the city center backed by a palm-lined seaside promenade. Just offshore, the MS Zenobia wreck is a popular dive site. 

The Church of Saint Lazarus: 9th-century church said to contain the tomb of the saint and where he was believed to have risen from the dead.

St. Mary of Graces (Larnaca): administered by the Franciscan friars.

Limassol:  Built in the 1870s and inaugurated in 1879, this church features a Baroque-style interior and an eclectic exterior facade, situated along the coastal road.

Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa (Paphos): A historic site shared with other denominations, allowing Catholic services, and often referred to as St. Paul’s Pillar.

Traveling to Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus):

Cypress is located off the coast of the Levant mainland in West Asia. The island is served by a major airport as well as being a port of call for many cruise ships. There are also ferries from mainland Greece.

As of April 2026, travel to Cyprus is generally possible, but carries a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory from the U.S. State Department due to volatile regional security and potential for sudden escalation. While tourist areas remain open, travelers should be aware of a 2026 drone incident near a British base, potential flight disruptions, and limited emergency assistance in the north.

By air: Cyprus has two airports, Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO), which serve as the primary legal entry points. A third airport, Ercan International Airport (ECN), serves the northern part of the island.

By sea:

By ferry: Seasonal passenger ferries operate between Athens (Piraeus) and Limassol, Cyprus from late May to early September, typically operated by Scandro Holding (AF Marina/Daleela) with a ~31-hour journey. ~31 hours.
Amenities: Cabins, airplane-style seats, restaurant, cafe, and vehicle transport (cars/motorcycles).

Important Notes:

Booking: It is essential to book well in advance as this is a popular, heavily subsidized service.

Click here for the official website & Mass times at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nicosia.

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