Our History - Agios Stefanos Foundation

Throughout the centuries, the soul has performed great deeds, demonstrating signs of magnanimity, generosity, transcendence of the "ego", altruism and self-sacrifice.

These high values and ideals give meaning to the existence of the benefactors, are closely intertwined with their identity and constitute an integral part of our national heritage. We recognize the above elements in the personality of our great benefactors, who did not fail to allocate large sums of money for the creation of the organization and through land donation demonstrating in practice their dedication to humanity.

Many of these works still dominate the space proudly and uprightly today, transmitting the spiritual wealth of the benefactors, their noble feelings for the human soul and their undivided love and generosity towards culture and society.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the late Andreas Christofides and Kostas Theofilou from Limassol, the establishment of the Pancyprian Association of Parents of Retarded Persons in Limassol was achieved on a pan-Cypriot basis, which resulted in people with special needs being accepted by society as a whole.

With the efforts of the late Anthoula Theofilou (photo) as well as the members of the Association of the Organization, it was possible to legally establish the Organization of Agios Stefanos and have the right to participate in the Pancyprian Disability Activities.

In 1964, the company was established under the name “Limassol Foundation for the Protection of Retarded Persons”, which was with limited liability. However in 1980 was renamed as «Agios Stefanos», a non-profit, voluntary organization.

For 24 years from 1969 – 1993, it was housed in a municipal building on Limassol beach, which was offered as a donation by the city’s Municipality.

In 1993, it acquired its own premises; a functional and aesthetically impeccable building, over 2500 sq m., capable of hosting 120 people. Its construction was made possible thanks to the generous donation of land by Pavlina Pavlidou in memory of her parents, Pavlos and Kristalia Pavlidou, and her sister, Stella Pavlidou – Alifanti.

It also received significant assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and State aid and Private Initiative as donors. The purpose of the Organization is to house, to care, educate and take care of the psychophysical health of people with Intellectual Disability, so that they can live a normal life as active members of the community.