The Maronites of Cyprus have had a continuous presence on the island since the seventh century, with key communities in villages like Kormakiti, Asomatos, Kampyli, and Karpassia. They are under the religious authority of the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, based in Lebanon, though the Maronite bishop of Cyprus also typically resides in Lebanon.
A significant distinction of the Cypriot Maronites is their language. Despite efforts to revive Arabic, most of the community speaks Greek, with the Liturgy’s epistle read in Greek. Some believe there should be more focus on their ancient Syriac language, still spoken in remote Lebanese villages and central to the Maronite Liturgy.
Historically, Cypriot Maronites claim to have always maintained orthodoxy, though records of submission to Rome exist as late as 1445. Their Antiochene rite has been hybridized over centuries, influenced not only by Latin missionaries but also internal shifts, leading to Westernized church architecture and practices. The 18th-century “Aleppo movement” damaged some Syriac offices, and in 1736, the Maronites adopted unleavened bread and communion under one kind. Restoring Antiochene vestments and eliminating Latin-style statues could help revive their traditional liturgical identity, reflecting the Maronites’ deep veneration for holy icons.
For an extensive introduction: https://maroniteparchy.org.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1269935746-21081.pdf