Who exactly are Cyprus’ Rosicrucians?

The brotherhood of the Rosicrucians – which operates chapters in Cyprus – is a little understood group whose activities and purpose are not clearly defined, an expert said on Monday.

Theologian Theodoros Kyriakou was speaking to Politis newspaper about the enigmatic group, which came up in the news cycle after allegations by journalist Makarios Drousiotis.

Drousiotis claimed the existence in Cyprus of a clandestine system involving figures in the judiciary, politics and business – a covert network allegedly operating under the Rosicrucians.

According to the theologian, assuming Drousiotis’ claims hold up, they would suggest “a form of solidarity which could reach the point of covering up illegal activities”.

Kyriacou described the Rosicrucians historically as a brotherhood appearing in Europe during the 12th century, noting that their emergence coincided with other organised structures like the Masons.

He said the Rosicrucians do not constitute a single, easily definable group. On the contrary, they are best described as “a broader trend, driven by intellectual development, the seeking out of wisdom and an intense esoteric character”.

The brotherhood is characterised by its secretive nature, making it difficult to investigate their internal principles and mechanisms.

They tend to use symbolisms and particular modes of communication – behaviours which enhance the aura of mystery surrounding the brotherhood.

Members are ‘initiated’ into the group, which features a hierarchical structure that reaches the so-called 33rd Degree.

The theologian stressed that the Rosicrucians themselves reject the notion that they are akin to an ‘old boys network’ or that they engage in secretive activities.

It’s also true that the term itself – Rosicrucians – is occasionally misused by others “for sensationalist purposes”.

Asked whether such groups might hypothetically exercise control over governments or economic systems, the theologian advised caution, noting that their very secretive nature feeds such theories.

“One can’t form a precise picture, as the roots of such movements are lost in the distant past and in the secrecy surrounding them.”

The website of the Cyprus Rosicrucians – calling themselves the Rose Croix – describes the organisation as “an originally Christian Order of Masonry, originating in France, and known as the ancient and accepted rite of Freemasonry. Established in 1801, the Order comprises thirty three degrees which amplify the teachings of Craft Masonry.”

It adds that candidates “must profess the Trinitarian Christian Faith or the belief in a Supreme Being and are required, prior to any formal consideration of their candidature, to sign a declaration to this effect”.

Membership of the order is usually by invitation only.

The website notes that the “District of Cyprus” was inaugurated by “the Supreme Council 33rd degree for England and Wales in 2002.

It consists of nine chapters, “meeting at The Masonic Rooms, Jerusalem Street in Limassol. Also at Dhekelia, Nicosia, Paphos and on the island of Zakynth.”

The group in Cyprus has three meetings/events scheduled for this month: on April 23 at the Saint Sophia Chapter; on April 24 at the Helios Chapter; and on April 25 at the Saint Barnabas Chapter.

The Supreme Council of Cyprus comprises, among others, an individual by the name of AC Theocharous, the 33rd degree Sovereign Grand Commander, and an ES Williams, the 33rd degree lieutenant Grand Commander.

The leadership appears to consist mostly of Cypriots, Greeks and Britons.

An attorney contacted by the Cyprus Mail said they are unaware of some cabal within the judiciary or of any connections to the Rosicrucians or similar group.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said that, to their knowledge and from what lawyers discuss among themselves, there is no clear indication of an ‘inner circle’ of judges pulling the strings and colluding on decisions.

But the source did say it is common knowledge that the vast majority of judges in Cyprus come from a very small group of families that practice law.