The Pancyprian Gymnasium (Παγκύπριο Γυμνάσιο) was founded in 1812 by Archbishop Kyprianos at a time when Cyprus was still under Ottoman occupation. It was originally called the Hellenic School (Ελληνική Σχολή) and is the oldest high school still in operation on the island. The school was expanded in 1893 to incorporate a lyceum when Cyprus was under British occupation and changed its name to its current one in 1896. In tribute to the school's contribution to education the Cyprus Post office issued a commemorative stamp in 1993.[1]

Grounds

It is located opposite the archbishopric within the walls of the old city of Nicosia. The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1920 and parts of the school were completely rebuilt in neoclassical style. Of particular historical interest is the crypt of the school located beneath the main entrance. This is where Archbishop Kyprianos was said to have held secret meetings with representatives of the Philiki Etairia in the early 19th century. The school also incorporates a substantial collection of artifacts, art and books. The Severios Library which opened in 1949 holds over 60,000 manuscripts. [2]

Through benevolent donations the school has become very wealthy. On an educational level it is highly regarded and considered a model school. Many influential figures have studied and taught here.

Notable Alumni

* Archbishop Makarios, past president of Cyprus, former student[3]
* Tassos Papadopoulos, past president of Cyprus, former student[4]
* Glafkos Clerides past president of Cyprus, former student
* Vassos Lyssarides, Politician and leader of the Socialist Party, former student
* Chrysostomos I 1961 to 1966, Theology teacher
* Lawrence Durrell English teacher, 1953 to 1956. [5]
* Dimitris Lipertis, poet, French teacher 1910-1912.

References

1. ^ "Commemorative Issue Centenary of the Pancyprian Gymnasium". philatelism.com (15 February 1993). Retrieved on 2008-03-28.
2. ^ American Library Association - Report on activities in Cyprus [1]
3. ^ "Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus", Time Magazine (Monday, Mar. 19, 1956). Retrieved on 2008-04-24. 
4. ^ Comment - Our president cannot distinguish myth from reality. (Cyprus Mail archive article - Sunday, July 10, 2005) [2]
5. ^ Maurice Cardiff,. Friends Abroad: Memories of Lawrence Durrell, Freya Stark, Patrick Leigh-Fermor, Peggy Guggenheim and Others. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 1-86064-221-7.

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