30th Latin Community Newsletter

Dear Latins,

I would like to inform you of the following regarding the Latin Community:

Submission of bill to restore the rights of the Representatives of the Latins, Maronites & Armenians

On 2 Dec, the Democratic Rally party submitted a bill in the House of Representatives for the restoration of the rights which the three religious groups had been granted by the Cyprus constitution of 1960 - namely that their representatives were full members of the Greek Communal Chamber (i.e. with the right to speak and vote on issues which concerned them). These rights were lost when the Representatives were transferred to the House of Representatives in 1965.

Discussion on the proposed law in the Legislative Standing Committee of the House, will commence after the Presidential elections.

Celebration of 150 years of the presence of the Franciscan sisters in the Middle East

On 19 Nov I had attended a celebration organised by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St Marys School in Limassol, to mark their 150 years of missionary presence and service in the Middle East. The event started with Holy Mass celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the Apostolic Nincio and was followed by a presentation of book about the work of the Order in Cyprus and the Middle East. It ended with a reception accompanied with songs and dances by pupils of the school.

On behalf of the Latin Community, I would like to thank the Sisters for the important service.

The Cyprus biobank and the DNA of Cypriots

On 9 Nov, α presentation of the above topic by Prof Constantinos Delta was organised under my auspices and in collaboration with Terra Santa College and the Center of Excellence in Biobanking & Biomedical Research of the University of Cyprus.

Through the voluntary participation of Cypriot citizens from all Communities (including Latin) the Biobank aims to identify special characteristics in the DNA of Cypriots that may be responsible for genetic or other diseases. The ultimate goal is that the knowledge which will be acquired, will be used as a tool for better disease prevention and prognosis as well as in the development of new treatments for the Cypriot population.

Any adult can volunteer by calling 7777 1838m or completing an online form biobank.cy/el/epikoinoneia

Events held at «Σπίτι των Λατίνων»

The following members of the Latin Community organised events at the above venue:

Group Art Exhibition between 23-25 Sept by Kiara Tsokkou Timm

Photographic exhibition by Mrs Ursula Savvopoulou & the Polish Cultural Association of Cyprus

I take this opportunity to remind you that «Σπίτι των Λατίνων» is at your disposal to organise/co-organise events

I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR