What is Freemasonry?
Evidence of the existence of Freemasonry in Cyprus dates back to the 18th century, mainly in Larnaca, where the island’s port and consulates were located. Freemasonry is mentioned for the first time in 1751, in a manuscript of Petrakis Karidis, and then in 1815, in an encyclical of the Archbishop, where it is also condemned. A further serious indication of the presence of Freemasons on the island is the tombstones with engraved Masonic symbols in the precinct of the Church of Saint Lazarus, dating from the 19th century.
It is said that in Larnaca there were so few Brethren that, in order to meet with the required quorum, ships with Freemasons among their crews had to be moored in the city. After the events of 1821 and the active involvement of Freemasons in the Greek Revolution, there are no further references in Ottoman-ruled Cyprus. Cypriot students abroad, especially in Athens, had been initiated into Freemasonry, but on their return to Cyprus they were unable to form Lodges.
One of them was Dr Ioannis Karageorgiades, initiated in the Lodge “A’ Panellinion” in Athens in 1865. With the arrival of the British in 1878 and the founding of the first English-speaking Lodge, “St Paul’s”, in 1888, he became a member of it. In 1893, with the help of English and Greek Freemasons, he founded the Lodge “Zenon”, the first Greek-speaking Lodge under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Greece. New Greek-speaking Lodges followed, in order, in Larnaca, Nicosia, Paphos and Famagusta.
Our worldview
Freemasonry is one of the oldest non-religious Brotherhoods. As a philosophical, progressive and philanthropic endeavour, it aims at the moral and spiritual improvement of its members through self-knowledge, the pursuit of truth, solidarity and the application of moral principles. Its members are taught these principles through a series of works that follow ancient forms and use the customs and symbols of ancient stonemasons as allegorical guides.
The basic qualification for admission is faith in God and His revealed will. Members can be men of any race or religion who meet this basic requirement and are of good character.
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion. It accepts men of various religions who follow their own faith, and for this reason it forbids religious discussion in any Masonic space. The God of every Freemason remains the God of his own religion; to avoid doctrinal rivalry, God is referred to by the general title of the Great Architect of the Universe. The Volume of the Sacred Law present during Masonic work is a testament to faith in God; depending on the prevailing religion in each country, it is most commonly the Holy Bible, sometimes the Quran, the Vedas and so on.
The three great principles
- Brotherly LoveEvery true Freemason shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, as well as kindness and understanding.
- ReliefFreemasons are taught to practise charity and to care not only for themselves but for the community as a whole.
- TruthFreemasons strive for truth, pursuing high moral principles throughout their lives as the way to a better quality of life for all.
Freemasonry and society
Membership of Freemasonry in no way exempts anyone from their duties to the society they belong to. On the contrary, it calls them to be exemplary citizens in their personal, public and professional lives, and in their love for their homeland. Freemasonry requires its members to respect the laws of the country where they live and work.
The principles of Freemasonry never conflict with a member’s duties as a citizen; they should strengthen them. Exploiting Masonic status for personal or professional gain is condemned and rejected. The duty of the citizen always comes first, and any attempt to shield a Freemason for dishonest or illegal acts is subject to disciplinary action.
Philanthropy
Since its foundation, Freemasonry has cared for children, the sick and the elderly. Large sums, coming exclusively from Freemasons’ contributions and donations, are given to charity.
Use of status
A Freemason must not exploit his status to promote professional or personal interests. This is made clear several times early in his Masonic career, so no one can claim ignorance of it. A Freemason who breaks this rule is suspended from active membership or even expelled.
“Devotion to the family, respect for social institutions, love for the homeland and the fulfilment of civic duties are sacred to the Freemason, without opposing the love he owes to all people, in the spirit of universal brotherhood and justice.” (Constitutional Charter)
Secrecy
The secrets of Freemasonry relate to the traditional means of recognition. No other secrets exist, and for this reason it is not a secret organisation. Like any society, it considers that some of its internal affairs need not be made public. Its members are free to acknowledge their membership. Its Constitution and operating rules are known to the State, which may exercise administrative or financial control.
Freemasonry and politics
Freemasonry is not a political organisation, has no relationship whatsoever with political parties, and political discussion at Masonic meetings is strictly prohibited.
Other Masonic bodies
Freemasonry is practised in each country under the responsibility of a regularly constituted and functioning independent Grand Lodge. In our country, this is the Grand Lodge of Cyprus of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Other Masonic Rites exist around the world, the most important being the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. They are governed by separate Supreme Councils and include additional degrees, which Freemasons may follow if they wish, alongside the main degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. The regular operation of the Supreme Councils requires their recognition by the Grand Lodge of the territory.
There are sometimes self-styled lodges or para-Masonic organisations that do not meet the required standards, were not regularly constituted, encourage their members to take part in politics or accept women as members. These are not recognised by the Grand Lodge of Cyprus.
Conclusion
The Freemason is encouraged to perform his duties first to God, by whatever name he knows Him, through his faith and religious practice, then to his family, and finally to his fellow human beings, through charity and solidarity. He also constantly strives for his moral and spiritual improvement.
- Freemasonry is neither a secret organisation nor a religion, and it does not get involved in politics.
- Like many other societies, it considers some of its internal matters to be private matters of its members.
- There are no secrets about its purposes and principles. Its Constitution and operating rules are known to those interested.
- Its secrets concern the traditional means of recognition. Its work is not secret, but it is not made public.
- When there is good reason, Freemasons are free to declare their membership and should be proud of it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry, as a philosophical, progressive, and philanthropic institution, aims at the moral and spiritual improvement of its members through self-knowledge, the search for truth, solidarity, and the application of ethical principles. Its members are taught these principles through a series of works, which follow ancient types and use customs and symbols of ancient stonemasons, as allegorical guides.
What are the principles of Freemasonry?
A Freemason is encouraged to fulfil his duties, firstly towards God (by whatever name He is known) through his faith and religious practice, then towards his family and lastly towards his fellow human beings, through philanthropy and solidarity. Also, a Freemason continually strives for his moral and spiritual improvement.
What are the qualifications for entry?
A fundamental qualification for admission is faith in God and in His revealed will. Members can be men, at least 23 years of age, of any race, provided they meet this basic requirement and are of good character.
Is Freemasonry a secret organisation?
Freemasonry is not a secret organisation. Like many other societies, it considers some of its internal affairs as personal matters of its members. There are no secrets about its purposes and principles. Its Statute and Operating Rules are known to those interested.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion. It accepts men who belong to various religions and follow their own faith. For this reason, it prohibits religious discussions during the meetings of its members, in any Masonic space. The God of each Freemason remains the God of his Religion. In order to avoid doctrinal rivalries or religious differences among Freemasons, God is referred to by the general appellation of the Great Architect of the Universe.
What is the relationship of Freemasonry with society?
Freemasons are expected to fully respect the laws of the country where they live and work. They are also encouraged to actively engage in social activities always aiming for the common good. The use of Masonic status for the promotion of personal or professional interests is condemnable and opposes the principles of Freemasonry.
What is the relationship of Freemasonry with politics?
Freemasonry does not involve itself in politics and political discussions are strictly prohibited during the meetings of its members, in any Masonic space.
Why aren’t women allowed to enter?
Traditionally, Freemasonry only accepts men as its members. The stonemasons, from whom modern Freemasonry originates, were only men. When Freemasonry was organised in its current form at the beginning of the 18th century, the position of women in society was different from what it is today. Out of respect and adherence to tradition, only men can become members of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus. However, there are organisations that operate with Masonic practices that accept women as their members.
“Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood”