Who We Are

The Friends of Cyprus (FOC) organization was established in July of 2016 and was registered as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization in Texas in August of 2021 (EIN: 85-1792194). The goal of the FOC is to continue and enhance the role of the first organization of Cypriots in Texas, the Pancyprian Association of Texas Inc. which was established on June 26, 1996 by Mr. Sakis J. Onisiphorou.

 

Our History

The main objective of the Pancyprian Association of Texas Inc. was to promote the efforts to establish a fair and sustainable political solution in Cyprus. The Pancyprian served as an association of its members that were either citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America, who have migrated from Cyprus or are descendants of such immigrants. The association of members sought to preserve and promote the glorious heritage, history and culture, contribute to the common welfare of the communities, nation and the land of their forefathers, and enhance the brotherhood among them.

Mr. Sakis Onisiphorou led the Pancyprian Association as a tireless promoter of the Cypriot cause and the efforts to rid the island of Turkish occupation. He attended the yearly PSEKA conferences in Washington DC and was a well-respected  leader in the community of Cypriots in the US. After the physical decline of Mr. Onisiphorou which prevented him from leading the organization, a group of Cypriots in Houston established the Friends of Cyprus Organization under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Constantinou. Recognizing the complexity of the Cypriot family in America, the FOC extended its membership to all Friends of Cyprus, regardless of national origin.  Mr. Andrew Constantinou was instrumental in setting up the FOC as a 501c3 organization and has worked vigorously to promote and expand the organization.

The Pancyprian Organization was one of the founding members of the Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest (HCC-SW) which was established as a 501 (c) 3 in 2006 and maintained membership until 2016.  The Friends of Cyprus Organization (FOC) joined the HCC-SW again in 2019.

 

In their 25 year combined history, the Pancyprian and the FOC organizations are proud to have:

  • Hosted multiple Cypriot Ambassadors visiting Texas.

  • Hosted dignitaries from the Cypriot and British Parliaments as well as government ministers of the Republic of Cyprus.

  • Established a scholarship program in 2007 that awarded in excess of 30 scholarships to deserving high school and college students of Cypriot origin.

  • Assisted Cypriot and Greek families that came to Houston for medical treatment.

  • Assisted Cypriot students studying in Texas.

  • Collaborated with the HCC-SW organization to promote the teaching of Cyprus’ History and Culture.

  • Hosted various social events such as dinners, picnics, and sports outings for Cypriot families to meet and support each other.

  • Supported various Hellenic organizations and causes in Texas and the US.

  • Organized charity drives to support social causes.

 

“The people of Cyprus have sent a strong message... of stability, credibility and change.”

— Nicos Anastasiades