Social contribution and culture are inherently connected. Artistic works, poetry, song lyrics, theatre, and music convey powerful humanitarian messages that elevate the spirit, conscience, and awareness of what is happening around us. At the same time, artists draw inspiration from societal concerns and create accordingly. Therefore, the result of culture is, in essence, a form of social offering. This is why art has always been a driving force in societal development.
Based on this philosophy, the KEPACY Foundation, through its various events and activities, strives to promote culture through traditions, customs, and the unique identity of Cypriot heritage.
Cultural Heritage – Church of the Holy Apostles
The Church of the Holy Apostles belongs to the community of Potamitissa and was built in the 14th century. It is one of the four churches that once existed in the village of Rontia (Rongia), where an estimated 2,000 people lived. The village was completely destroyed by a raid from the Kramans. Around the 16th century, the deadly disease of plague struck the settlement, leading to the death of most of its residents.
Those who survived abandoned Rontia and relocated to the surrounding mountains, eventually becoming part of villages like Pelendri and Potamitissa. Unfortunately, some believed that a treasure was hidden within the church, leading to its destruction, with people removing the stones and leaving only the foundations.
In 2008, the Sofokleous family from Pelendri sponsored the restoration of the church and its iconostasis (2009). The architectural type of the church is a single-aisle, wooden-roofed temple with a double-pitched roof and hooked tiles. The restoration continued from the one-meter-high foundations that were found. The architectural plans were donated by Niki Hatzilyra from Morphou. The wall paintings were completed in 2010 by Georgian painter Michael Ebanoidze.
The restoration of the church by the Sofocleous family took on a symbolic character, as it became a place of gathering for many neighbouring communities. The miraculous icon that once resided in this church is deeply revered by the locals of the entire region. Every year, on the feast day of the Holy Apostles, June 29, the residents of Pelendri and Potamitissa come in procession, bringing icons for the celebration.
Humanitarian & Cultural Actions:
- Shipment of humanitarian aid to Beirut in August 2021 following the deadly explosion.
- Distribution of clothing to reception centres in Pournara and Kofinou for refugees.
- Donation of clothing and toys to an orphanage in occupied Nicosia.
- Shipment of medicines and wound care supplies to Ukraine.
- Implementation of the “Integration Through Sports” program for unaccompanied minor refugees.
- Charity theatrical performances.
- Charity music nights.
- Charity comedy night.
- Participation in the Limassol Bar Association’s Charity Fun Day.
- Participation in the “Musical Footprints” event, sharing a booth with the Mexican delegation.