Kathikas (
Greek language: Κάθηκας) is one of the
Laona villages in the
Paphos District of Cyprus. It is situated on a plateau 23 kilometers north of Paphos. It has an altitude of
655m[Blue Guide to Cyprus] and a population of 333.
[ Service of Cyprus 2001 Population Census – Excel spreadheet]
It is well known for its grape production, such as
xynisteri grapes.
It also has a flourishing agrotourism industry.
Kathikas has a very active Residents Association
Landmarks
Avakas Gorge is a natural attraction.
[ The Avakas Gorge – a travelogue by Dr. George Taramides]
The ruins of the abandoned village of Old Theletra. The inhabitants of Theletra were moved in the 1980s due to fears over landslides.
Notable Kathikians
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Kypros Chrysostomides, politician and member of the Cypriot parliament, was born in Kathikas
[ ministers pledge unity and hard work" – Cyprus Mail 04/03/2003]
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Kyriacos Mavronikolas, defence minister in the Tassos Papadopoulos government, was born in Kathikas
[
]
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George Georghiou, former director of Cyprus Airways and former secretary to the Council of Ministers. He is currently the Permanent Secretary of the Planning Bureau of Cyprus. Mr Georghiou was born in Kathikas
[ of Cyprus Airways]
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Andrew Demetriou, chief executive officer of the Australian Football League – his mother was born in Kathikas
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George Taramides, well-known Cypriot dentist, inserted the first dental implant on the island. His vision made reality the creation of the Church of Ayios Ipatios in Kathikas. He is the author of the book "Avakas Gorge: A travelogue."
[
]
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Galatia Taramidou, aunt of Dr. George Taramides (1924–2009), former actor member of the Cyprus craft union which staged a variety plays at Magical Palace theatre in Nicosia. She played the protagonist in "Kiss Me Deadly", by Mickey Spillane.
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Dr. Xenophon Xenophontos, chief engineer of Cyprus Airways and a former member of the Cyprus Airways management committee.
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Eftichios Malekkides, corrupt former head of the Paphos Sewage Board. He was sentenced to 6 years gaol in 2015.
[ motive except greed’ says judge in Vergas case " – Cyprus Mail 18/02/2015]
Kathikas in the news
On April 7, 2000, a Kathikas man was arrested in connection with the theft of an ancient sarcophagus.
[ suspected of stealing sarcophagus – Cyprus Mail 9/04/2000"]
On February 24, 2007, the residents of Kathikas awoke to the news that two of the locals had been murdered.[ man arrested for double murder – Cyprus Mail 24/02/2007"]
Annual events and celebrations
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25 March – Feast Day of the church of Panayia Evangelistrais
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31 March – Feast Day of Ayios Ipatios
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12 June – Feast Day of Ayios Ounoufrios
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17 July – Feast Day of Ayia Marina
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August – Festival of the Grapes
