Welcome to Paphos Aphrodite Rotary Club

The Paphos-Aphrodite Rotary Club has an International Membership and our meetings are conducted in English.

Paphos, the capital of Cyprus in ancient times with many World Heritage sites has also like Cyprus the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean.

Being a great tourist resort we are used to welcoming guests from all over Europe and beyond.

Meeting friends

One of the greatest privileges of working on expedition cruise ships is meeting inspiring people from all over the world. On every voyage, I have the pleasure of welcoming members of service clubs aboard, creating opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build friendships that extend far beyond the duration of a cruise.

I am especially delighted to see that guests whom I once welcomed on board, members of RC Bietigheim-Vaihingen in Germany,  have now also participated in the Rotary District Conference in Cyprus. It is wonderful to know that these connections have led them to meet members of my home club, Rotary Club Paphos-Aphrodite, and become part of the wider Rotary family.

Moments like these remind me that travel is about much more than visiting new places—it is about bringing people together, fostering understanding, and creating lasting relationships across borders.
 

District Conference Larnaca

What an inspiring weekend at the District Conference in Larnaca!

Half of our club travelled to Larnaca to join fellow Rotarians from across District 2452 — and we returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.

We are incredibly proud to share that our club received:

4 Gold Awards

1 Silver Award

Recognised as the Best Performing Club in Rotary Cyprus

And 3rd Best Performing Club in the entire District, spanning 9 countries across 3 continents

Celebrations & Recognitions

Alongside the celebrations and recognitions last Thursday our fellowship dinner at Don Carlo Restaurant reminded us once again why we enjoy coming together as a club. The welcoming atmosphere, the cosy setting, and the genuinely friendly staff created the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and good conversation.

From the moment we arrived, the team at Don Carlo made us feel at home, adding warmth and ease to a night already filled with joy. Sharing this experience with our members—new and longstanding—made the evening even more special.

It was a true reminder that fellowship is at the heart of Rotary, and evenings like this strengthen the bonds that keep our club vibrant, supportive and united. 
 

Cyprus Rotary Peace Forum

A truly memorable Cyprus Rotary Peace Forum

The Cyprus Rotary Peace Forum, held in Limassol with the participation of over 230 attendees, including a significant number of Turkish Cypriots, was a remarkable success. 

Distinguished keynote speakers Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides and Ozdil Nami, along with panelists Professors C. Psaltis, M. Besim , A. Kapardis, and Mr. H. Muftazade, moderated by senior journalist Lefteris Adilinis delivered insightful and thought-provoking presentations. Their discussions highlighted the benefits of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue and emphasized the vital role that civil society on both sides can play in encouraging political leaders to genuinely pursue a fair and balanced settlement that addresses the concerns of all Cypriots.

The forum was marked by active engagement, with participants raising numerous questions in an atmosphere of mutual respect, openness, and understanding.

Deputy District Governor Yiannos Pissourios, being the organiser, expressed his sincere gratitude to his Team (PDG Christina Patroclou, PDDG Tastan Altuner, PP Nikos Theodoulou) for supporting him in achieving the Forum’s objectives, with the shared hope that this initiative represents a small step, towards paving the path to the reunification of Cyprus.

District Governor Peter Ashdjian in his address praised Cyprus Rotary for this initiative and stressed the connection of this event to his policy of promoting Peace throughout our Rotary District of 9 countries.  

The evening concluded with a warm fellowship dinner at the Syrian restaurant in Limassol, where 75 participants had the opportunity to connect, exchange views, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and friendly setting. 
 
 

Timo runs the TUI Cyprus Marathon

Today, our President Timo Trog completed the TUI Cyprus Marathon — running every kilometre in support of One Dream, One Wish and the children in Cyprus fighting cancer.

A heartfelt thank‑you to all members and friends who cheered him on, sent messages, and donated. Your support truly made a difference.

Donations can still be made to the Rotary Club Paphos‑Aphrodite Charity Account:
IBAN: CY18 0020 0195 0000 3570 1474 4393
SWIFT/BIC: BCYPCY2N

Together, we turn compassion into action. 

Carnival 2026

Who says Rotarians can't have fun? We certainly did at our Carnival Party last night at the Kamares Club. A great atmosphere, lovely food and music from The Reggae Rockers impressed our guests. It was wonderful to see how many people had dressed for the occasion with a huge variety of costumes, including a family of bees. We also raised funds for The Friends' Hospice Paphos. Thanks to everyone who made it a special night!

Rotary Branding Workshop

About last night...

What a fantastic Rotary evening! We kicked things off with some fresh inspiration on Rotary Branding, but the real magic happened when we rolled up our sleeves.

Huge thanks to Timo for preparing such an engaging interactive workshop! We moved from theory straight into action, working together to define and shape the future identity of our club.

It wasn’t just a meeting; it was a true collaborative session where every voice was heard and every idea mattered. This is how we build a stronger club identity – together!

Proud of our team and excited for the path ahead

Visit to City of Dreams Mediterranean – A Memorable Rotary Experience

Members and friends of the Paphos Aphrodite Rotary Club enjoyed a fantastic afternoon and evening at City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol, following a kind invitation from the resort.

Our visit began with an exclusive guided tour of the impressive facilities, giving us an insight into the scale and vision of this world-class destination. Highlights included the guest rooms and meeting spaces, indoor and outdoor event venues, restaurants, spa and wellness areas, shopping promenade, adventure park, pools, gym, and of course the casino.

After the resort tour, we enjoyed a relaxed Prosecco reception before continuing with a guided walk through the gaming area, which many found particularly interesting and informative.

The evening concluded with a wonderful dinner at Aura Restaurant, where members and guests enjoyed a diverse buffet featuring Middle Eastern, Asian, and Italian cuisine, live cooking stations, and an excellent atmosphere in the Pavilion area.

It was a great opportunity for fellowship, networking, and learning more about one of Cyprus’ most impressive hospitality projects. A big thank you to City of Dreams Mediterranean for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation, and to everyone who joined us and made the trip so enjoyable.

We look forward to many more shared experiences with our members and friends.

Carnival Party 2026

Service Above Self, With a Side of Carnival!

Tonight’s Rotary meeting was all about shifting gears from our traditional service projects to the vibrant energy of the Karneval season. With our upcoming party just around the corner, the room was buzzing with more than just our usual dedication—it was filled with festive anticipation!

Vasilopita Dinner January 2026

A Night of Tradition and Remembrance: Our Vasilopita Dinner

The members of our Rotary Club gathered for our annual Vasilopita Dinner, a cherished start to the new year. While the evening was filled with fellowship, it was also marked by a poignant absence.

We felt the loss of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, George, who recently passed away. His spirit was very much with us as we shared stories and honored his memory. We missed his presence at the table, but he remains forever in our hearts.

The Tradition of the Vasilopita in Cyprus

In Cyprus, the Vasilopita is more than just a cake; it is a symbol of hope and luck for the coming year. Named after Saint Basil the Great, the cake traditionally hides a "flouri" (a gold or silver coin).

The Blessing: The cake is sliced to honor everyone from the saints to the household and the poor.

The Luck: Whoever finds the coin in their slice is said to be blessed with extraordinary good luck for the entire year.

A Meaningful Celebration

Following tradition, our Club President performed the ceremonial cutting of the cake, carefully distributing slices to all our members. It was a moment of unity, reminding us of the strength of our Rotary family and our shared commitment to service.

Remembering A Dear Friend

With deep sadness, we share the passing of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian George Kafizas.

George was a valued member of the Rotary Club Paphos-Aphrodite and a true embodiment of Rotary values. He will be remembered as a gentleman, a friend, and a man of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his beloved wife Sue, his family, and all who were close to him.

Funeral Service
The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Tsada Church.

May George rest in peace. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his Rotary family.

6th Annual Santa Ride - The Island Angels

Thank you to all of you who turned out to support us - especially Motopsycho for your excellent marshalling skills! To AGAPI Limassol Cyprus for the lovely coffee and hot chocolate on our arrival and to The Little Cafe on the Corner for the amazing Spiced Cider and Mince Pies for all at our Clubhouse where we ended our ride. We achieved our goal of 1,000€ and many many Santa sacks of donated items partnered with Rotary Club of Limassol-Berengaria Cosmopolitan and Rotary Club Paphos Aphrodite. Thank you all and a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas & New Year Message from the Club President

Dear Members,

Supporters and Friends of Rotary, As we approach the festive season and the end of a very strong first half of our Rotary year, I would like to take a moment to reflect with gratitude, pride and optimism. First and foremost, I want to express my sincere and personal thanks to all our supporters, sponsors and especially to our own club members. Your commitment, time, energy and heart make the difference.

The support for the marathon initiative, which allowed us to raise an additional 472€, is a wonderful example of what we can achieve together when we act with purpose and unity.

Through our outstanding events this year, including the Musical Night, we were also able to contribute 3,000€ to the Global Grant project “No Child Left Behind” of Rotary Cyprus. This is not just a number, but a meaningful contribution that creates real impact and opportunities for children. It makes me incredibly proud that our club plays such an active and visible role in Rotary’s wider mission.

I would also like to highlight our participation in the Lexus Cycling Dream Team – Charity Event of Love, where we were proud to be involved and to welcome our Rotarian friends from Nicosia.

These moments of fellowship across clubs strengthen Rotary far beyond individual events. What makes me especially proud is how our club is perceived: active, committed, influential and deeply rooted in the local community. This is recognized not only in Paphos, but across Rotary Cyprus.

In this spirit of unity, our thoughts and strength are very much with our dear member George Kafizas. During this difficult time, he carries the full support, energy and heartfelt thoughts of our entire club. Rotary is family - especially when it matters most.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the upcoming highlights, including the Casino visit and guided tour at the City of Dreams Mediterranean, and our Carnival Event.

These events will continue to combine fellowship, visibility and impact. Thank you all for an outstanding first half of the Rotary year. I look forward with confidence and joy to what lies ahead.

I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas, good health, and a successful and inspiring New Year.

Warm Rotary regards,

Timo Trog

President 2024–2026

Rotary Club Paphos-Aphrodite

80th Anniversary of the United Nations – Presidential Palace Event

Three members of our club — Timo Trog, Julia Rautenschlein and Thorsten Quakernack — travelled to Nicosia to attend a special event at the Presidential Palace, held on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations. (10th December 2025)

The event was organized following an invitation from Dr. Christos A. Theodoulou, President of the Council of the United Nations Association of Cyprus, and took place under the auspices of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet many fellow Rotarians, exchange ideas, and establish new contacts in a truly inspiring setting. A particular highlight of the evening was the brilliant performance by the CYTA Choir, which contributed greatly to the warm and elegant atmosphere of the event.

Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience, reflecting the spirit of international cooperation and fellowship.