Alpha News

The Emptiness of Eledio: Fewer Than 40 Permanent Residents, Church Served by 'Borrowed' Priest

Published February 10, 2026, 12:38

The community of Eledio is facing a serious problem of rural depopulation, resulting in only 37 permanent residents. The community leader, Takis Papasavva, describes the weakening of the community's basic structures, such as the lack of a school and the underfunctioning of the church, which is served by a 'borrowed' priest. The lack of services at the church, such as the Christmas service for the past three years, reflects the abandonment experienced by the village. Despite efforts to improve infrastructure, such as the construction of walls, a square and a playground, Mr. Papasavva emphasizes that works alone are not enough to keep or bring people back to the countryside. A significant problem is the housing issue, as the cost of building a house is very high and banks do not easily grant loans, while the state housing scheme does not cover actual needs. In addition, the increased cost of fuel burdens residents who work in Paphos and are forced to commute daily. Finally, there are bureaucratic obstacles to the restoration of the old church of Agia Irini, with requirements for building permits and geological surveys even for small constructions. The community leader calls on the state to substantially support rural communities, with fuel subsidies and improved terms for the housing scheme.