Despite the country’s difficult history, Cyprus has almost exclusively been ministered to by Franciscans. Pastoral care of the Roman Catholic faithful in Cyprus has been entrusted to the Franciscans for centuries. Of the island’s five parishes, one, in Paphos, is entrusted to the Institute of the Incarnate Word. The other four are ministered to by the Friars Minor. The vast majority of Roman Catholics in Cyprus are on the island for work reasons. The Holy Cross parish in Nicosia is the largest in Cyprus, with around a thousand faithful.
The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Cyprus recently experienced some historic events: it had its first fraternal and pastoral visit from the OFS International Council (CIOFS), represented by Noemi Paola RICCARDI and Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., and it conducted its first National Elective Chapter.
The visit began on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Nicosia, and ended the following Monday. On the morning of the first day, starting at 8:00 a.m., the visitors met with the Guardian of the friary in Nicosia, Friar Zacheusz DULNIOK, OFM, and later with the National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Theodorus Beta HERDISTYAN, OFM. After presenting the work done for the OFS in recent years, and the challenges that lie ahead, they renewed their commitment to support the growth and development of the OFS on the island.
The visitors were then received by the Most Reverend Bruno VARRIANO, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem, Palestine and Patriarchal Vicar of Cyprus. Among his various remarks, Bishop VARRIANO asked the visitors to make it emphatically clear to the Secular Franciscans that they belong to an Order, not just a group. He expressed his gratitude for the pastoral work they do, particularly their ministry to refugees, whom they visit weekly.
The visitors visited all three local OFS fraternities in Cyprus. They started in Limassol, then moved on to Larnaca, and concluded in Nicosia. The meetings were very fruitful for all. The visitors managed to meet the members of the local fraternities, listen to them, answer their questions, offer them advice, and share moments of fraternity and prayer with them. At the same time, the visitors examined each of the local fraternities’ registers and official documents.
The OFS Elective Chapter was conducted at the Holy Cross Friary of the Friars Minor in Nicosia. The elective session on Sunday morning was presided over by Noemi Paola RICCARDI, Delegate of the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER. She was assisted by the representative of the Conference of Spiritual Assistants (CAS), Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv. Since this was the very first Elective Chapter of the emerging National Fraternity of Cyprus, all thirty-four professed members had voting rights. However, a total of twenty-seven professed members were actually present, together with six observers. Cheryl WOLNER was elected National Minister.
The first National Council of the emerging Fraternity of Cyprus was installed during Mass at 4:00 p.m., presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI. The Elective Chapter was a joyful celebration. The young emerging National Fraternity of Cyprus is very enthusiastic and shows great promise.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
