€1.3 Million or $1.3 Million: all expenses of Armenian schools in Cyprus are covered by government — Vardges Mahdesyan

Alpha News spoke with Cypriot MP Vardges Mahdesyan about the life and challenges of the Armenian community in Cyprus.

“The government of Cyprus fully supports the Armenian community, covering all expenses for Armenian schools and churches. I can say with confidence that no other country provides as much assistance to its Armenian community as Cyprus does. As for the resettlement of Armenians to Cyprus, it should be noted that our people first arrived here in 578 AD during the Byzantine period. Later, Armenians came to Cyprus for political, military or trade purposes. Already in 973, an Armenian diocese was established here,” he noted.

According to him, there are about 4,000 Armenians living in Cyprus, with 95% of the community speaking Armenian.

“Our annual budget is around €1.3 million or $1.3 million, and this is entirely funded by the local government. In addition, our church receives €60,000 annually for operating expenses,” Mahdesyan added.