About Us - Lampousa Cypriot American Association

Who We Are

Lampousa Cypriot American Association is a vibrant community organization that has been preserving Greek Cypriot heritage in America for nearly nine decades. Founded in 1937, we are a proud member of the Cyprus Federation of America.

Our name "Lampousa" comes from the ancient city of Lapithos (Lampousa) on the northern coast of Cyprus. This historic city, now under Turkish occupation, symbolizes our deep connection to our ancestral homeland and our commitment to keeping its memory alive.

We bring together Greek Cypriots and friends of Cyprus through cultural events, educational programs for our youth, philanthropic initiatives, and community support. Our organization is based in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, but our reach extends to all who share our love for Cyprus.

Our Mission

Lampousa’s mission is to promote and preserve our Greek Cypriot culture through events and programs; to support our community; and champion efforts toward the freedom of our land.

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Preserve Our Culture

Promote and preserve our rich Greek Cypriot culture through cultural events and educational programs for our youth, ensuring our heritage is passed to future generations.

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Support Our Community

Support our members and Cypriots in need with economic and moral assistance, standing together during both celebrations and challenging times.

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Advocate for Freedom

Advocate for freedom of all Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus, in coordination with the Cyprus Federation of America and PSEKA. δεν ξεχνώ - We do not forget.

Our History

Lampousa was founded in 1937 by Mr. Aristides (Aris) Demetriou, a devoted community leader born in Karavas, Cyprus, in 1910. After immigrating through Ellis Island in 1930, Aris established a barbershop near Columbia University, where he became a beloved figure for more than seven decades. His remarkable career as a barber ultimately spanned over 85 years, earning him admiration throughout the Morningside Heights community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aris played a pivotal role in shaping Greek Cypriot life in America. He was a founder of the Cyprus Federation of America (1951) and contributed significantly to the establishment of St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tenafly, New Jersey (1968).

As Lampousa's founder and a two-term president serving a total of 16 years, Aris—together with his wife, Maroulla—remained an active and inspirational presence in the organization throughout his life. He celebrated his 100th birthday in 2010 and passed away later that year, leaving a legacy of service, dedication, and cultural pride that continues to guide Lampousa today.

Cultural Program for Youth

One of our proudest initiatives is our youth-focused cultural program, which continues to flourish. We offer:

Free Cypriot folkloric dance lessons
Lessons in Cypriot history and geography
Educational day trips and cultural activities
Pizza lunch at every dance lesson (free for member families!)

Special thanks to Dr. Eliana Antoniou, our Cultural Program Director, for inspiring our children to embrace and learn our Cypriot roots!

We believe in our responsibility to educate our children about our rich Greek Cypriot heritage, customs, and the unjust Turkish invasion and occupation of our land. The program resumes in January each year.

Board of Directors

Stavros Kamilaris

President

Athena Patrikios, PharmD, MBA

Vice-President

Pannie Trifillis, Ph.D.

General Secretary

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Despina Christodoulou, MBA

Treasurer

Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D.

Recording Secretary

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Anastasia Gnardellis

Corresponding Secretary

Trustees

Sandy Antoniou, Dr. Stella Backos, Dr. Marios Christodoulou, Georgia Eleftheriou, Peter Frankiskou, Kyle Hopkins, Maria Kamilaris, Christina Miltiadou, Tasos Miltiadous, Dr. Ashley Mourkakos, Costas Papapetrou, Stavros Papapetrou, Nicholas Papas, Sotiroula Savva, Andreas Stavrou

Committees

Public Relations

Stavros Kamilaris
Costas Tsentas

Culture

Dr. Eliana Antoniou (Director)
Anastasia Kamilaris
Athena Patrikios
Christina Miltiadous

Philanthropy

Maria Kamilaris
Sotiroula Savva
Georgia Eleftheriou
Andrea Antoniou

Youth

Fotinia Bourboulis
Myria Bourboulis
Nefeli Miltiadou
Aspasia Papas
Philothei Papas
Yorgos Vassiliou
Eleni Vassiliou
Evva Vassiliou

Communications

Christos Christoudias
Anastasia Kamilaris
Athena Patrikios

Honorary Members

Philip Christopher, Kyriakos Pafitis †, George Prepis

Past Presidents

Christ Phoskos †, George Papoulas †, Aris Demetriou †, G. Nicolaou-Loutsios †, Dr. George Christoudias †, Evris Kontos †, Costas Tsentas

† Deceased

Become a Member

Join our community and help preserve Greek Cypriot heritage for generations to come.

Membership Benefits

Free admission to our cultural program for your children
Reduced rates for events like Taste of Cyprus and the Lemon Dance
Voting rights at general membership meetings
Connect with fellow Greek Cypriots and friends of Cyprus
Support our community and philanthropic initiatives
Help preserve our heritage and advocate for a free Cyprus

Annual membership dues help support our programs, events, and charitable activities.

How to Join

To become a member of Lampousa, please contact us or attend one of our events. We welcome all Greek Cypriots and friends of Cyprus who share our mission and values.

Contact us:
P.O. Box 274
Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Or reach out through our social media channels or at any of our events.

Our Affiliations

Lampousa is proud to work alongside these organizations in service of the Cypriot community.

Cyprus Federation of America

The umbrella organization of Cypriot American associations in the United States.

Visit Website

PSEKA

International Coordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus" advocating for Cypriot rights.