From time to time throughout the year, we have ‘get togethers’ on a purely social basis, and often people from the congregation of St Barnabas and other churches on the island as well as from the wider local community join us as well.
If coming to our church in the first instance seems a bit daunting, then why not come to one of our social gatherings first and get to know people? Details will be published in the regular news/service sheets produced by St Barnabas’.
In the past we have had visits to a winery; we have explored local churches in the company of a guide, and enjoyed meals in tavernas. Church may engage you in surprising ways.
Past events:
⇒ 10 July 2022: Nearly twenty people gathered at the Artemis Taverna in Pissouri Bay following the 12th anniversary of the inauguration of St Lazarus’ Church. The service was led by Archbishop Michael as usual, and provided an opportune moment to include our ‘not so new’ chaplain in a group photograph afterwards outside the amphitheatre.
⇒ 14 December 2021: It was touch and go, (due to covid), but we were able to enjoy a pre-Christmas lunch at the Yialos Taverna this year, (unlike 2020). A number of people from St Lazarus and St Barnabas joined Fr Ian and his wife Carol to share food and friendship, while the sun shone for us, setting the sea sparkling in the bay.
⇒ 11 July 2021: It’s always a special occasion when Archbishop Michael, (yes, he’s an Archbishop now!), comes to Pissouri to help us celebrate the inauguration of St Lazarus’ Church. However, this year was even more special, as it was to be the last service at St Lazarus for Rev Rod and Beryl Price, before they return to the UK. Rod had served as Priest in residence at St Barnabas for 3 years, and helped mould the church into what it is today. People came from far and wide to wish them well. Some stayed for dinner afterwards at the Yialos Taverna in the bay. God speed Rod and Beryl.
⇒ 12 July 2020: Bishop Michael presided at the 10th annual inauguration service of St Lazarus’ Church. With much reduced numbers, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some of us gathered at a local taverna afterwards for a meal, (with apologies for poor photo – blame the coronavirus!)
⇒ 14 July 2019: This year we celebrated not only the inauguration of St Lazarus’ church, (9 years), but also St Lazarus Day. Bishop Michael gave a very interesting sermon about Lazarus, which showed how connected to Christ we are here on this island. Afterwards we adjourned to the O’Vrakas Taverna close by, to enjoy a meal and to socialise.
⇒ 14 December 2018: A traditional pre-Christmas meal was enjoyed by
some of the St Lazarus congregation at the Two Friends Taverna. It was the first of such meals for our new incumbent Fr Andrew and his wife Ann. Plenty of chat but no pictures I’m afraid – we were too busy enjoying ourselves!
⇒ 24 June 2018: It has become a tradition now to celebrate with a meal, after Bishop Michael has led a service to commemorate the inauguration of St Lazarus church, (this year it was the 8th anniversary). Also as usual, we were pleased to welcome a number of visitors from St Barnabas. About 25 people joined in the celebration at O’Vrakas Taverna in Pissouri village square.
⇒ 23 July 2017: Following the last service at St Lazarus for our former chaplain, Rev. Derek Smith, the congregation adjourned to the O’Vrakas Taverna in the village. Many people from St Barnabas joined us, and despite the sad occasion of Derek’s retirement, there was great conviviality. Derek and Sue were presented with a hand-painted icon of St Lazarus to remind them of their time with us. We wish them well in retirement.
⇒ 10 July 2016: It’s not often that one gets to share with our (former) vicar and his wife in celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary – but this is what happened after the service on 10 July. The room under the amphitheatre buzzed with activity, as more and more people poured in to attend the Holy Communion service prior to the celebration. So many were there, that we ran out of hymn books, (more than 75 people attended). We adjourned to the Columbia Beach Resort Hotel for refreshments, where even more people appeared. A most enjoyable celebration of the lives of two very special people.
⇒ 13th November 2015: Trip to old Turkish baths in Pafos, and then to Lempa, an ancient historical village, followed by lunch at Aphrodite’s Rock Brewery, and then a tour of the brewery. Much enjoyed by everyone.
⇒ 5th Anniversary of St Lazarus church on 28 June 2015:
Bishop Michael led the Holy Communion service at St Lazarus on the 5th anniversary of the inception of St Lazarus. Afterwards, the congregation went for a meal at O Vrakis Taverna in Pissouri Village. We were pleased to welcome visitors from the congregation of St Barnabas to both the service and the meal afterwards.
Right: Bishop Michael outside St Lazarus
⇒ St Lazarus Christmas Lunch on 2 December 2014 at the Yiallos Restaurant Pissouri Bay. Good food and good company!