The Italian-speaking Lodge Giuseppe Garibaldi No. 8 is one of the international pillars of Cypriot Freemasonry. Since its foundation, it has pursued the aim of strengthening the bonds between the Grand Lodge of Cyprus and the international Masonic community, while also offering a Masonic home to Italian-speaking Brethren who live in or visit Cyprus.
Its creation was made possible by the founding of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus in 2006, an event that marked a new, outward-looking era for Cypriot Freemasonry. Recognition by Grand Lodges abroad and the development of fraternal relations with Masonic jurisdictions around the world highlighted the need for foreign-language Lodges able to serve as bridges of communication and cooperation. The idea of founding an Italian-speaking Lodge was first conceived during an official visit by a delegation of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus to the Grand Orient of Italy (Grande Oriente d’Italia) on 10 April 2007. The Most Illustrious Brother Panagiotis Ioannou, Assistant Grand Master, and the Illustrious Brother Antonis Neofytou, Grand Orator, proposed the founding of a Lodge under the name Giuseppe Garibaldi, a proposal that received the warm support of the then Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy, Gustavo Raffi. The name “Giuseppe Garibaldi” carries a special symbolism in world Freemasonry, as numerous Lodges in various countries bear the same name and cooperate within the framework of international meetings and conferences. From the outset, this choice expressed a commitment to an international outlook and an active presence on the world Masonic map, following the principles and example of the legendary general and Freemason Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Following a series of contacts with the Grand Orient of Italy and the Grand Lodge of Greece, as well as with various Italian-speaking Masonic bodies, the idea took concrete shape. The interest shown by Brethren in Cyprus and abroad confirmed the need for such an undertaking.
Thus, on 1 November 2008, in the presence of numerous Brethren, the Italian-speaking Lodge Giuseppe Garibaldi was solemnly consecrated, bearing the number 8, under the Auspices of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus. Brother Giorgio Monari became the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
From its very first steps, the Lodge was distinguished by its multinational character, serving as a meeting place of different cultures, traditions and Masonic experiences.
The founding members were Brethren Luigi Bagnaia, Gionada Cavadini, Christis Christodoulou, Dimitris Dimitriou, Daniele Ferretti, Davide Guidi, Panagiotis Ioannou, Michalis Krasides, Giorgio Monari, Antonis Neofytou, Vincenzo Reggiani, Antonio Sabatini, Enrico Satragno, Christoforos Savvides, Giorgio Stefanini, Charis Stylianou, Christodoulos Themistokleous, Christodoulos Theocharous and Ioannis Trochides.
After a period of fruitful activity, the Lodge became dormant on 27 March 2019. Its flame, however, was never extinguished. On 23 May 2023, it was decided that the Lodge should resume its Labours, and on 28 June of the same year its reawakening ceremony was held at the “Solon” Masonic Hall. Brother Iosif Hadjikyriakos was installed in the Chair of King Solomon, in the presence of the Grand Council, numerous Brethren and delegations from Italy. The reactivation of the Lodge marked the beginning of a new creative period.
The Lodge’s renewed vitality culminated on 8 March 2025, when it hosted the International Conference of Garibaldi Lodges in Larnaca, on the theme “Masonic Love”. The presence of Brethren from more than ten countries and three continents confirmed the Lodge’s role as a point of reference for international Masonic dialogue and fraternal cooperation.
Today, the Lodge Giuseppe Garibaldi No. 8 continues to work to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, cultivating Masonic learning, strengthening the bonds between the Brethren and promoting the values of Brotherhood, Virtue and Humanity. It is also a worthy ambassador of Cypriot Freemasonry abroad and an open gateway of Masonic hospitality for every Italian-speaking Brother seeking Masonic work, knowledge and fraternal companionship.
From the anniversary album “Grand Lodge of Cyprus 2006–2026”.
