Pancyprian Association Aphrodite of Staten Island Hosted Its Annual Summer Barbecue

STATEN ISLAND, NY – The Pancyprian Association Aphrodite of Staten Island annual summer barbecue took place on May 31.

In the courtyard of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Church, members and friends of the Association enjoyed traditional Cypriot food and sweets, music, and a raffle drawing with many prizes.

Association President Philip Phytides spoke with The National Herald and expressed his warm thanks to the people for their presence and support, noting that their participation gives them the strength to continue their work.

He added: “For another year, we are all together again at our last event before the summer holidays to see dear friends and fellow citizens, to exchange wishes, to have fun like a big family and to keep in touch with the roots and customs of our homeland.”

“From early at noon, the smells of the traditional Cypriot souvla, the famous grilled halloumi, and handmade sheftalies flooded the space,” Phytides said. “Our rich menu, made with passion, took attendees on a gastronomic journey to Cyprus.”

Pancyprian Association Aphrodite of Staten Island President Philip Phytides with his wife Penny and their daughter Cleo. Photo: TNH/Michael Kakias

“Although the Association was founded only a few years ago, we have dozens of members, all residents of Staten Island,” he noted. “We do everything we can for its progress and prosperity.”

“A big thank you to the volunteers who worked for the impeccable organization of the event,” Phytides said. “And we look forward to next year, with the wish for a free and reunited homeland.”

The community’s presiding priest Fr. Vasileios Apostolidis congratulated the Association for their social and charitable work and described it as one of the most active in Staten Island.

He said: “Events like today’s contribute to strengthening relationships between people and promote the values, culture, and civilization of our homeland.”

“It is a very beautiful juncture that today, Pentecost, the Pancyprian Association Aphrodite of Staten Island organized this barbecue so that we can all come together,” Friday. Apostolidis said. “Congratulations to the Board of Directors, to all members and I wish them success in their work.”

Penny Phytides reported that all members helped in the preparation of traditional foods and sweets, such as the sheftalies, halloumi, and many more.

“Today’s proceeds will be allocated exclusively to support the Association and to finance our next actions with the main purpose of sending money to children with cancer in the hospital in Cyprus.”