The historic Digenis Akritas Association of Morphou was founded in 1931 and operates for 87 years now and developed a multi-dimensional contribution to the community that made it the most important carrier of national, cultural, social and athletic activities, both for Morphou and its district and but also for the wider society.

Digenis Akritas Morphou, with his significant contribution, transformed himself spiritually into an idea that dominated the mind and soul of the people of Morphou and became identical with the existence of every citizen of Morphou. As an idea, it has not worn out over time, it is preserved and transmitted to the younger generation, as a creative flame for new conquests and new battles.

It was in 1931 when 36 people from Morphou, living then under colonial rule, with the vision of freedom in their souls, they founded the Association called Digenis Akritas in a friendly gathering, referring to the mythical Akritas of the borders and liberator of Cyprus, which lived under the unbearable burden of foreign rule, deprived of the most precious good, freedom.

During the ’50s, the Association increased its power and influence by recruiting new members and methodically creating the appropriate infrastructure for its first organized sports and cultural activities. This created the first orchestral ensembles presented at national anniversaries and other social events, the first theatrical plays of Cypriot origin. At the same time football, basketball and other sports began to develop.

In the 60’s, the Association was culturally developed, and is now the most important body of artistic, cultural, social and athletic creation.

In football, the team broke away from rural football and it gained more power. It joined the CFA (Cyprus Football Association) and began the long journey to reach the First Division. The team achieved this in 1971 as a beginner in the UEFA Cup along with the Italian team Milan, represented Cyprus and achieved a good score.

The Municipal Stadium with its grass offers people of Morphou and locals thrill, and everyone lives with the vision of Digenis Akritas, the killer of the giants, as he was called, to write his own history in the Cypriot football and beyond.

Within the same decade, the Association’s basketball team began to grow. Its creation begun in the 1950, where Morphou’s High School became a nursery for the new sport under the guidance of experienced trainers, who coached for the first time and trained talented basketball players, who wrote their own history and left their own mark in the history of the sport.

Digenis Akritas then created a fabulous team that became a legend in Cypriot football. Basketball players with excellent technique and skills, stature, intelligence and dynamism kept the spectators enthralled with the game, leading the team to the top.

The legendary team of Digenis Akritas was honored as the best in Cyprus after winning the Cyprus Championship for three consecutive years. The Champion’s Shield adorns the Association’s offices.

Concerning music, a four-member mixed choir and philharmonic orchestra were established and enriched the cultural events of the Association and the whole region.

The Association also organized theatre plays, lectures and discussions, took an active part in the established annual Orange Festival, organized exhibitions and was involved in all cultural events of Morphou. It was the most significant period that constantly upgraded the city’s cultural character.

Thanks to the enthusiasm, vision and creativeness of the Board of Directors, the Association achieved this multi-faceted and multi-dimensional contribution.

This steady progress of Digenis Akritas was stopped by the barbaric Turkish invasion that created refugees and destroyed its dreams.

It was not free anymore. It was found on a foreign land grieving the loss of its dreams and gazing from afar on the tormented town of Morphou amidst the blaze of bitterness and despair that covered its house, still sorrowful in search of light and redemption.

But as a phoenix rising from his ashes, Digenis Akritas, symbolizing the immortal power, rose again, carried his historical memories as weapons and began to work for its rebuilding and recreation.

In a privately-owned building, Digenis Akritas shed his creative light with a unique vision of preserving memories until the day of return. It continued its football career and duly accepted the relegation of its team after its forces were scattered or lost on the altar of Homeland. But it did not rest on its laurels. It began to shine slowly but steadily, ascending to its throne.

It fought for 43 whole years under adverse conditions. it was humiliated but not disappointed, it did not stop, it faced financial difficulties, but it survived.

Digenis Akritas is an idea and ideas do not die. They guide and continue the glorious history of the Association, until the much-desired day it will sit on its throne in our beloved Morphou.

We should honor and respect our historical association of Digenis Akritas Morphou, because it should and will live forever.