Local Religious Practices in Cyprus: An Expat’s Guide

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Cyprus, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, is a true cultural and religious melting pot. For expatriates settling here, understanding local religious practices is essential for harmonious integration into Cypriot society. This guide will help you navigate this rich and complex religious landscape, offering keys to understanding religion’s impact on daily life, major religious holidays, and appropriate behavioral codes.

Cyprus’s Religious Landscape: A Mosaic of Beliefs

Religion plays a central role in the lives of Cypriots, permeating many aspects of culture and society. The island is predominantly Greek Orthodox, with approximately 78% of the population belonging to the Church of Cyprus. This dominance is reflected in the island’s architecture, traditions, and pace of life.

However, Cyprus is also home to other significant religious communities:

• Muslims, mainly concentrated in the northern part of the island
• Roman Catholics
• Maronites
• Armenians
• A small Jewish community

This religious diversity results from the island’s rich and turbulent history, which has seen numerous civilizations and cultural influences over the centuries.

For expatriates, it’s crucial to understand that religion isn’t merely a private matter in Cyprus. It profoundly influences social life, customs, and even the country’s laws. For example, civil marriage was only introduced in 1990, and the Orthodox Church continues to exert significant influence on politics and education.

Major Religious Holidays: A Calendar Rich with Celebrations

The Cypriot religious calendar is punctuated by numerous holidays and celebrations, some unique to the island. For expatriates, understanding and respecting these important occasions is essential for integrating into the local community.

Easter: The Most Important Celebration

Easter is undoubtedly the most important religious holiday in Cyprus. Celebrations begin with Lent, 40 days before Easter, and culminate during Holy Week.

Easter traditions in Cyprus are rich and varied:

• On Holy Thursday, worshippers decorate the church with flowers to symbolize Christ’s tomb
• On Good Friday, solemn processions take place in the streets, carrying the Epitaphios (a representation of Christ)
• On Saturday evening, churches are full for midnight mass, followed by fireworks and festivities
• Easter Sunday is marked by lavish family meals, with roast lamb as the traditional dish

For expatriates, this is an opportunity to participate in unique local traditions. For example, the “tsougrisma” game, where two people tap colored hard-boiled eggs against each other, with the person whose egg remains intact considered lucky for the coming year.

Other Important Religious Holidays

The Orthodox calendar is rich with celebrations throughout the year. Among the most notable:

• Epiphany (January 6): marked by the blessing of the waters and a swimming race to retrieve a cross thrown into the sea
• Feast of the Assumption (August 15): an important public holiday, with pilgrimages and festivals in many villages
• Christmas (December 25): although less important than Easter in Orthodox tradition, Christmas is nevertheless celebrated with decorations, markets, and special masses

For expatriates, these holidays offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture. Participating in celebrations, even as an observer, can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to build connections with the Cypriot community.

Behavioral Codes and Necessary Adaptations

Since religion is deeply rooted in Cypriot society, it’s important for expatriates to understand and respect certain behavioral codes, particularly when visiting places of worship or during religious holiday periods.

Visiting Churches and Monasteries

Orthodox churches and monasteries are active places of worship, not mere tourist attractions. Here are some rules to respect:

• Dress code: cover your shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to wear a headscarf in some monasteries
• Photos: always ask permission before taking photos inside a church
• Silence: maintain a reverent atmosphere, especially if a service is in progress
• Icons: do not touch icons without permission, as they are considered sacred

Respecting Fasting Periods

The Orthodox Church observes several fasting periods throughout the year, the most important being:

• Great Lent before Easter
• Nativity Fast before Christmas
• Apostles’ Fast in June
• Dormition Fast in August

During these periods, many Cypriots abstain from animal products. For expatriates, it’s important to be aware of these practices, especially when organizing meals or events involving local colleagues or friends.

Religious Freedom and Resources for Expatriates

Cyprus guarantees religious freedom to all its residents, including expatriates. The Constitution protects everyone’s right to practice their faith freely, as long as it doesn’t disturb public order or morality.

Practicing Your Own Religion in Cyprus

For expatriates wishing to continue practicing their own religion, Cyprus offers several options:

• Catholic churches: present in major cities, offering masses in multiple languages
• Mosques: mainly in the northern part of the island, but also some in the south
• Synagogue: an active synagogue in Larnaca
• Hindu and Buddhist temples: a few places of worship for Asian communities

Major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca generally offer more diversity in terms of places of worship for different faiths.

Resources for Expatriates

Several resources are available to help expatriates navigate Cyprus’s religious landscape:

• Expatriate associations: often a good source of information about places of worship and religious communities
• Embassies: can provide information about places of worship for their citizens
• Expatriate websites and forums: often offer practical advice and experience sharing
• Local tourist offices: can provide information about places of worship and major religious holidays

Conclusion: Embracing Cyprus’s Religious Diversity

Understanding and respecting local religious practices is a crucial step for successful integration in Cyprus. Religion, far from being an obstacle, can become a fascinating gateway to the island’s culture and history.

For expatriates, participating in local celebrations, visiting historic places of worship, and exchanging with Cypriots about their religious traditions can be a rewarding experience. This not only helps better understand the host society but also creates lasting bonds with the local community.

Ultimately, open-mindedness and mutual respect are the keys to navigating Cyprus’s religious landscape harmoniously. By embracing this diversity, expatriates can transform their stay on the island into a true cultural and spiritual adventure.