A truly special and emotional day unfolded in Pedoulas on Saturday 6th June 2026 as Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou returned to his father’s (Loucas Haji-Ioannou) native village for the first time in 16 years.
The visit was a heartfelt journey back to his roots, reconnecting with cherished memories, family heritage, and a community that has remained close to his heart throughout the years. Residents warmly welcomed him, expressing their appreciation for his longstanding support and commitment to the village and its people.
During his visit, Sir Stelios toured several important landmarks and community initiatives, including the “Food from the Heart” centre Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Food From The Heart, Filoxenias 41 Pedoulas, 2850 Nicosia Cyprus which supports vulnerable families, and the Pedoulas Environmental Centre, which proudly bears his name and promotes environmental awareness among younger generations.
He also visited the Byzantine Museum and the historic Church of Archangel Michael, one of Cyprus’ most treasured UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the day was his visit to his ancestral family home—a powerful reminder of the people, stories, and values that shaped his journey.
Demonstrating his continued dedication to the community, Sir Stelios made a financial contribution towards local needs and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Pedoulas and society more broadly.
“Giving back to society in a smart and meaningful way that creates lasting impact is both a responsibility and a privilege,” he noted during the visit.
Sir Stelios also revealed that he is exploring a major philanthropic initiative for Cyprus, inspired by the €10 million programme he funded in Greece to support doctors serving remote islands. Discussions are currently underway to determine whether the new initiative will focus on healthcare, education, or another area of significant social need.
The visit concluded with a warm gathering at Stavros Restaurant, where residents and friends of the village shared memories, stories, and conversations with Sir Stelios, making for a fitting end to a day defined by heritage, community, and giving back.
Sir Stelios marks Pedoulas return with pledge to support local needs
A special feature covering the visit to Pedoulas of Sir Stelios by Alpha TV
