SMOM - Embassy of Order of Malta to Cyprus

02/07/2026

The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Cyprus was honoured to celebrate the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, Patron of the Order, on June 30 2026, in the beautiful gardens of the Holy Cross Church in Nicosia.

We were particularly honoured by the presence of H.E. Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, who represented the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and addressed the distinguished guests.

The reception brought together representatives of the Government of Cyprus, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, religious authorities, humanitarian partners, and members and friends of the Order. Among those present were H.E. Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio; Monsignor Giorgio Chezza, Chargé d’Affaires; H.E. Archbishop Selim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus; members of the Franciscan Community; Reverend Fathers and Sisters; and representatives of the many institutions and communities with which the Embassy is privileged to cooperate.

In his address, Ambassador Giani highlighted the growing friendship between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Republic of Cyprus, the progress towards the conclusion of a bilateral cooperation agreement, and the importance of working together in service of the most vulnerable.

He also recalled the Embassy’s contribution to the Amalthea humanitarian initiative, through which more than eighty tonnes of aid were collected and transferred for the civilian population of Gaza, as well as the recent dispatch of fifty-four pallets of essential medicines to Lebanon. The evening also celebrated the establishment of the Embassy’s local volunteer group, whose members have begun visiting residential homes for the elderly in Cyprus, offering companionship, friendship and a caring human presence.

As H.E. Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, has affirmed:

“Multilateralism is indeed the best, and perhaps even the only, solution to tackle today and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Our sincere gratitude goes to all those who honoured us with their presence and who continue to support the Order’s mission of defending the faith and serving the poor and the sick.

May the friendship between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Republic of Cyprus continue to grow, always in the service of peace, solidarity and human dignity.

27/04/2026

H.E. Ambassador Domenico Giani attended the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE in Nicosia, Cyprus, hosted by the Maronite Archeparchy in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Assembly brings together Church representatives and European stakeholders to reflect on key challenges facing Europe and its neighbouring regions, including peace, migration, and the role of the Church in promoting dialogue and human dignity.

🇪🇺🇨🇾 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘 | The 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE has just begun in Nicosia, Cyprus, hosted by the Maronite Archeparchy of Cyprus in the context of the Cypriot EU Presidency. More info: https://www.comece.eu/assembly-comece-spring-assembly-2026-to-take-place-in-nicosia-under-cypriot-eu-presidency/

12/01/2026

On the morning of January 10, 2026 at the Villa Magistrale in Rome, Sovereign Military Order of Malta Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap met with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Order of Malta for the traditional New Year Audience.

Reflecting on a year of profound spiritual and global significance, marked by the Holy Year and a historic transition in the life of the Holy See, the Grand Master outlined the Order’s diplomatic and humanitarian priorities for 2026. His address reaffirmed the Order’s growing global engagement, with a strong focus on Latin America and Africa, and highlighted continued humanitarian action in some of today’s most critical crises, particularly in Palestine, Lebanon, and Ukraine.

Emphasizing the inseparable link between diplomacy and humanitarian presence on the ground, Fra’ John Dunlap reiterated the Order of Malta’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and dialogue, in service of the poor, the sick, and those affected by conflict worldwide.

08/10/2025

Ambassador Domenico Giani met with H.E. Elena Mina, Chief of State Protocol, and H.E. Theodora Constantinidou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Discussions focused on institutional collaboration, the Amalthea Humanitarian Corridor, and the upcoming Cooperation Agreement between the MFA and the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The meetings reaffirmed the excellent relations between Cyprus and the Order, united in their commitment to solidarity and humanitarian service.

08/10/2025

Founding Meeting of the “Order of Malta – Cyprus” Association

The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta convened the founding meeting for the establishment of the “Order of Malta – Cyprus” Association at the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in Nicosia, which kindly hosted the event and extended a warm welcome to all participants.

The programme featured an opening blessing by H.E. Archbishop Selim Sfeir, addresses by Dr. Giuseppe Marino and Ambassador Domenico Giani, and a message by Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Mons. Giampietro Dal Toso and H.R.H. Prince Mariano Hugo of Windisch-Graetz delivered via videoconference. A presentation on the mission and humanitarian work of the Order worldwide was followed by an open exchange with participants, marked by genuine interest and engagement.

Ambassador Giani outlined the vision of the emerging Association, founded on three principal pillars:
1- Concrete and consistent works of mercy in support of the sick, the elderly, and those in need;
2- Formation of volunteers, particularly young people, inspired by a spirit of openness and service;
3- Effective partnerships with public institutions, faith communities, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure sustainable and transparent projects.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, reaffirming the Order’s enduring commitment to serving the most vulnerable in Cyprus. The evening concluded with a reception, offering participants an opportunity for further exchange in a spirit of fraternity and shared purpose.

23/08/2025

The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Cyprus successfully facilitated the transfer of over 80 tons of humanitarian goods, provided by the Misericordie d’Italia, to be shipped through the Cyprus humanitarian corridor (Amalthea Plan) under UN Mechanism 2720.

After months of delay, the aid reached Ashdod port on August 20, 2025, where it will be distributed to civilians in need.

Ambassador Domenico Giani, in his capacities as Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Cyprus and Chairman of the Misericordie of Italy expressed gratitude to Cypriot authorities, the Amalthea platform, and the UN for their support, affirming:

"This aid is not only a response to material needs but also a sign of hope and solidarity."

21/08/2025

Looking back on the beautiful celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Cyprus was pleased to host a solemn Mass followed by a reception.

We were honoured by the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Cypriot authorities, and friends of the Order, whose participation contributed to the success of this special gathering.

Here are a few moments that reflect the spirit of faith, fellowship, and service that marked this important celebration.

29/06/2025

Celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Cyprus

Over 120 guests – including diplomats, Cypriot civil and military authorities, religious representatives, and members of international organizations – attended the Embassy of the Order of Malta’s Feast in Cyprus, a moment marked by dialogue, cooperation, and service to the most vulnerable.

In his address, Ambassador Domenico Giani reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy, recalling how its international subjectivity only finds meaning when directed toward the common good:

“We act with active charity, constructive neutrality, and a spirit of service.”

He particularly highlighted the joint work with the Ministry of Migration and International Protection of Cyprus for the dignified relocation of the most vulnerable migrants from the buffer zone, and shared the Order’s contribution — also through the Misericordie of Italy — to sending over 80 tons of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. An ongoing operation made possible thanks to synergies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Crisis Cabinet for Gaza, UNOPS, and the partners of the “For Gaza” mechanism.

The Cypriot Deputy Minister for Migration, Nicholas Ioannides, underscored the importance of collaboration with the Order of Malta in managing irregular migration, praising the shared commitment to guaranteeing protection and dignity to those fleeing war and persecution. The Order – he added – is also a valuable partner in the national plan “AMALTHEA.”

During the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by H.E. Mons. Giampietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio, the charism of the Order was reaffirmed: defending the faith and serving the poor. The Nuncio’s message then turned attention to the Middle East:

“Your humanitarian service helps us see the person in their needs, not as an enemy. Respect for international law and concrete aid are today essential acts of humanity to build peace.”

Thank you to all who took part in this special day. The Order of Malta continues to serve — in Cyprus and beyond — with discretion, resolve, and Christian spirit, for a fairer, more united, and more humane world.

27/01/2025

Over 50 tons of humanitarian aid from Misericordie d’Italia arrived in Limassol, Cyprus, on January 26, destined for Gaza. The shipment—made possible by Unicoop Firenze, the Francesca Rava Foundation, and other generous contributors—traveled from Monfalcone with the support of the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defense, the Joint Operational Command Headquarters, and UNOPS under the UN-2720 verification mechanism.

“We are pleased to announce the arrival of containers filled with hope for the people of Gaza,” said His Excellency Domenico Giani, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Cyprus and President of the National Confederation of Misericordie d’Italia. “This is a significant milestone, the result of a generous collective mobilization and effective synergy among all involved. We hope that, once the planned inspections are completed, the aid can reach those who need it most as quickly as possible. Each additional day of delay means another day where suffering goes unanswered.”

Next, the supplies will be inspected and sent via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to Ashdod, then distributed in Gaza by the NGO ANERA, bringing essential relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

28/12/2024

Pope Francis’s Christmas message highlighted need for unity in Cyprus.

Pope Francis’s Christmas message highlighted need for unity in CyprusDecember 26, 2024Blog In his Christmas message delivered today from the Vatican, Pope Francis emphasized the need for the reunification of Cyprus. “May the Jubilee be an opportunity to tear down all walls of separation: the ide...