Pancyprian Gymnasium

• Name — Pancyprian Gymnasium • Logo — PagkyprionLogo.jpg • Founder — Archbishop Kyprianos • Type — Public High-School • Religious Affiliation — High influence by the Church of Cyprus when it comes to funding & decision-making • District — Nicosia • Principal — Maria Stavridou Morphi (since 2023-2024 academic year - has made minimal impact and is noted for favouritism towards the music branch, as noted in a 2025-2026 announcement by students) • Enrollment — 783 students • Enrollment As Of — 2025-2026 • Capacity — unknown • Language — Greek, English, French • Colors — Blue and white • Publication — ΠαγκύπριON AIR (Radio Station) • Newspaper — Το Νήμα (Newspaper), Μαθητική Εστία (Magazine) • Location — Nicosia, Cyprus • Tuition — State School, Free • Website — lyk-pagkyprion-lef.schools.ac.cy • Lastupdate — 27/4/2026 The Pancyprian Gymnasium is the oldest still operational high school in Cyprus, founded in 1812.

In the location of the current school, an older school existed, established in 1753, known as Ellinomouseion. The Pancyprian Gymnasium was founded in 1812, by Archbishop Kyprianos, at a time when Cyprus was still under Ottoman rule. It was originally called the Hellenic School of Nicosia and is the oldest high school in operation on the island. The first principal of the Gymnasium in 1893, was Delios Ioannis. The school was expanded in 1893, by the initiative of Archbishop Sophronius III, to incorporate a lyceum when Cyprus was under British rule, therefore making it equal to Greek high schools, deeming its students eligible to study at the University of Athens. In 1894, aside from the secondary school, a school for primary school teachers was founded, the Didaskaleio. In 1896 it changed its name to its current one. • Illustration — Honorary statue to the students-warrior of the Gymnasium in the Greek Independence War Students of the school have fought in the Greek War of Independence, Greco-Turkish War of 1897, the Balkan Wars and participated in the EOKA struggle. In tribute to the school's contribution to education the Cyprus Post office issued a commemorative stamp in 1993.

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. The gymnastics facilities are being renovated as of the 2025-2026 academic year. 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. • Illustration — Entrance to the Severios Library The school also incorporates a substantial collection of artifacts, art and books. The Severios Library which opened in 1949 holds over 60,000 manuscripts. Through 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.

• Illustration — Honorary Plaque to the alumni, Christopher A. Pissarides • Christopher A. Pissarides, Nobel Prize-winning economist • Archbishop Makarios, Past President of Cyprus • Glafkos Clerides, Past President of Cyprus • Tassos Papadopoulos, Past President of Cyprus • Georgios Grivas, Leader of the Cyprus Independence War • Vassos Lyssarides, Politician and Leader of the Socialist Party • Costas Clerides, former Attorney General of Cyprus • Petros Clerides, former Attorney General of Cyprus • Kypros Chrysanthis, Writer and Doctor • Athanasios Papageorgiou, Byzantine archaeologist, Director of the Department of Antiquities • Vassos Karageorghis, Director of the Department of Antiquities • Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans