Zenon 18 Lodge No. 9818

Zenon 18 Lodge No. 9818 is a continuation of ‘Zenon Lodge No. 18‘, Greek constitution, and is the very first Lodge that was founded in 1893 by ‘ St Paul’s Lodge’ No. 2277 E.C. which is the premier Lodge in Cyprus. These two lodges although under different constitutions worked in brotherly spirit together, sharing not only the same premises but also to a great extent the same membership for 113 years.

The choice of the name of Philosopher Zenon of Kitium to be given to the Lodge has been successful for he was the founder of stoicism. Originally he was a merchant since that was a family trade. He turned to philosophy when he was ruined financially because of a shipwreck losing all his goods and exclaimed the famous phrase written down by Plutarch,

‘ Hear, Fortune, you are acting so that we can meet in the Lodge with the mantle’

The whole philosophy of the stoics is part of the Masonic light. Zenon believed in the ‘ World being a city’, considering brothers all the people living on the Earth. He used to preach the ‘composure’ that is the extirpation of evil and the virtuous life.

The consecration of ‘Zenon’ took place on 15th November 1893

Amongst the fourteen founders, six were Greek, four British and four of Latin origin. Amongst the British was John Percy White, the brother to whom we owe organised Freemasonry in Cyprus and who was the first Director of Ceremonies of Zenon Lodge.

The relation between the two lodges developed over the years in a most brotherly way, the initiations occurred following a mutual approval. Brethren of St. Pauls’ Lodge became joining members of Zenon Lodge and vice-versa. The social activities of both Lodges which are in effect the parents of Freemasonry in Cyprus developed indeed in a parallel and most harmonious way.

Now ‘Zenon18’ under the Grand Lodge of England is opening a new chapter in it’s history
confident that it will move forward from strength to strength.

For further information contact the lodge Secretary by email here.