Bishop offers Ukrainian children break from homeland trauma

Thirty children from Ukraine have arrived in Cyprus with the Bishop of Tamassos and Orini, Metropolitan Isaias, at their side

Fifty-five Ukrainian refugees arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday night from Poland. Among them there are 30 children who will have a welcome holiday from the traumatic events back home and be able to attend a series of counselling sessions with psychologists from mental health organisation Kenthea.

The entire group will spend 15 days in Cyprus before returning to Poland. The initiative was organised by the Holy Metropolis of Tamassos and Orini and spearheaded by Bishop Isaias.

The refugees from Ukraine will be housed for free at a hotel in Ayia Napa for the duration of their stay after the deputy ministry of tourism organised their accommodation.

During their stay they will also be taken for tours of the island, as well as entertainment venues and children’s festivals.

They are also scheduled to meet President Nicos Anastasiades and the first lady at a date yet to be decided.

The refugees are due to fly back to Poland on May 25.