News

An inspirational story.

Posted on December 16, 2013 by EamonDecember 16, 2013

Several months back we had a call from Lisa Moakler asking if she could bring her son to visit the Hospice. Her son Cameron, and his classmates who attend the International School of Paphos were asked to present on a charity of their choice. Cameron picked the Hospice as his chosen charity. During his visit and tour of the Hospice he collected facts and information . Suffice to say, Cameron’s presentation was selected by his classmates as the best and most valid, particularly as the School is in the vicinity of the Hospice, and he was asked to repeat the presentation at School assembly!

Lisa also mentioned that her daughter Georgina and her friend Tyler Booth were interested in the Hospice, they both had lost loved ones and they had developed a dance in their memory. Mona Skordi suggested that they come to the Hospice open fun day on 23rd November so they could perform their dance, they did and it was very well received by the large audience present!

What we were not aware of was that the children cajoled their parents to help them raise funds for the Hospice. So a race evening was organised at the Moakler household, with prizes of Chocolate for the children, and cash for the adults who supported the evening, €300 was raised!

The children visited the Hospice on 6th December and the cash donation was presented, appropriately in a child’s bedroom to Mona Skordi, Hospice General Manager.

In addition to the above, Cameron has been actively involved in collecting shoe boxes to support Solidarity, a charity who supports the needy of Paphos. The boxes contain donated toys and will ensure that no child goes without a gift this Christmas; his class have already donated 30 boxes.

We hear a great deal in the Media about the youth of today, often it is negative, it is inspiring to meet Children who selflessly give up their time to support others.

Archangel Michael Hospice is very fortunate to have the Support of Cameron, Georgina and Tyler, and warmly thank and congratulate them for their efforts.

Salamis Pilgrimage

Posted on November 11, 2013 by EamonNovember 11, 2013

“Paul and Barnabas sent on their way by the Holy Spirit went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John (Mark) was with them as their helper.” (Acts of the Apostles, ch.13, v. 4,5)

As the Year of Faith comes to its close, our parish organized a third pilgrimage in the footsteps of Saint Paul, after Panaghia Trooditissa and Kalopanaghiotis in May, and Saint Lazarus in Larnaca and Saint Heracleidios in Tamassos last June: a day in Salamis near Famagusta.

On Sunday 3rd November 2013 two buses full of happy pilgrims set off for a day of fellowship, prayer and recollection.

Salamis, the first site visited, lies on the eastern coast of Cyprus, currently under Turkish occupation. Founded circa 1100 BC by the Greek Teucer of the island of Salamis near Athens, it quickly became prosperous due to the rich copper mines of the region, its fertile plains and the sea trade. Over time, it subjugated neighbouring city states and, finally, under king Evagoras (411- 374 BC) unified the island of Cyprus becoming its first capital.

At the time of Saint Paul Salamis was not the capital anymore, having ceded its position to Paphos; it was nevertheless a wealthy city with a large and busy port, with luxurious public baths adorned with mosaics, beautiful temples, agora with colourful statues and porticos. Its theatre could seat 15,000 people and it had a sophisticated stage system that could re-enact famous sea-battles through the filling of its back section with water for the required special effect.

Saint Barnabas was a Cypriot, born in Salamis. He not only brought the Gospel to his native city and land, but he was martyred there, by stoning, in 61 AD. According to tradition Saint Mark, who was his cousin, buried his body privately, near the necropolis outside Salamis. His tomb was miracoulusly revealed to Bishop Anthemios in 478 AD. A little chapel was build over the site of the tomb. So, naturally, this was the second place visited. The tomb is several feet underground and one enters through the chapel. Carob trees are still growing all around.

There was plenty of time for everyone to venerate the tomb of Saint Barnabas. Encouraged and inspired by the holy place and the life and example of the apostle, all gathered for the Holy Mass. The celebration took place outdoors, by the southern side of the chapel. A gentle cool breeze added to the spiritual refreshment at Mass, and strengthened through the Eucharist the pilgrimage continued to Saint Barnabas monastery, a holy site converted to a Museum by the occupation forces.

Saint Barnabas monastery is a beautiful relatively small building complex in Byzantine style. Earliest traces dated from the late 5th century can be seen, but the church and existing buildings date from 1756. Exhibits ranging from the 4th millennium BC to the 8th century BC are well arranged and testify to the cosmopolitan character of Salamis, as all of them were excavated and discovered in that region.

On the way back to Paphos the pilgrims had the chance to be driven through Famagusta, alongside the Venetian walls, built in 1489, which seem very well preserved. The abandoned, since 1974, old city of Famagusta was an eerie sight and made one reflect on the unavoidable passing of time, on the futility of earthly glory and of the continual human suffering that is ever-present under so many forms.

Anchored in Faith, in the footsteps of the saint Apostles Paul, Barnabas and Mark, we have a charge, a message to spread, a hope to offer, a Person to make known and loved. Are we eager to be missionaries of Love Crucified?

Hospice Commissioning Group

Posted on September 28, 2013 by EamonSeptember 29, 2013

Now that the Hospice is nearing completion there is a need to refocus our efforts to facilitate a seamless transmission to opening. The Hospice Commissioning Group will ensure that everything is in place to meet the legal, medical and nursing requirements of the facility. The group will focus on the business, fundraising, IT, marketing and strategic requirements.

HCG Members

Fr Carlos Ferrero.

Fr Carlos will Chair the group.

Cameron McDonald.

Deputy Chair: Will ensure that the strategic direction of the Group is consistent with the Hospice mission; will assist with marketing and presentations to businesses and groups; will ensure actions are followed up and are consistent with the Hospice needs.

Cameron’s background is in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.

Eamon Brooks

IT issues are rapidly coming to the fore; Eamon will ensure that the hospice has the necessary needs covered, including, Network & Computing infrastructure, Electronic nurse reporting systems, Drug reporting systems, Broadband & TV to rooms, etc.

Eamon has a background in IT, Engineering and Media and is currently responsible for our website.

Mona Skordi

Mona is the only current salaried Hospice employee. She has established herself as a valued member of the team. Her principal activity will be setting up a fundraising team and public liaison. Mona has degrees in Human Resources, Sociology and Psychology.

Matt Rayner.

Matt is an entrepreneur and a successful businessman, we will utilise his financial and business skills to best effect and he will work on strategic planning.

Andreas Charalambous

Andreas is Regional Manager with USB Bank in Paphos. He has been a long term supporter of the Hospice as a member of The Knights of Saint Lazarus, and is in fact Commander of the Paphos Comandery. The remit of the order is to support the Hospice movement worldwide.

John Kearns

John is a major fundraiser on our behalf and also gives us a foothold in the UK where he is based. He has obtained Gift Aid on UK donations, an area which we hope to develop. John will report laterally to the Group and will be invited to attend meetings when in Cyprus. John has a wide business background including sales and marketing, customer service, quality work processes and continuous improvement and has offered sound advice in the past.

The Hospice Commissioning Group will appoint sub groups as required for specific roles, e.g. Nursing, Medical and other needs. The HCG members will receive no expenses or emoluments for their work.

For further information contact: mona@archangel-michael-hospice.com

Casino Night in Support of Hospice

Posted on September 20, 2013 by EamonSeptember 20, 2013

Charity Casino Night

Saturday 19th October

Our Patriarch visits Paphos

Posted on July 15, 2013 by EamonJuly 15, 2013

Our Bishop, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, the Latin Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, is making a Pastoral Visit to all the Catholics of Cyprus; Priests, Religious and Lay People from 14 – 18 July 2013. He will go to each of the Parishes, celebrate Holy Mass and take time to meet with and talk with the Catholics in each place.

Today we were happy to welcome Patriarch Fouad Twal to our parish here in Paphos where he celebrated 12pm Mass and then joined the parishioners for a fine lunch at the Latin Parish Hall. It was a most marvellous occasion.