Pilgrimage to Cyprus – The ABCs of a Pilgrim

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Cyprus

(Greek Κύπρος, Turkish Kıbrıs, English Cyprus) is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically it belongs to Asia. Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean at a distance of 380 km from Egypt, 105 km from Syria and 75 km from Turkey.

Content

1 Orthodoxy in Cyprus
2 Saints
3 Shrines
4 Monasteries 4.1 Stavropegial monasteries
4.2 Monasteries of the Archdiocese of Cyprus
4.3 Monasteries of the Paphos Metropolitanate
4.4 Monasteries of the Kiti Metropolis
4.5 Monasteries of the Kyrenia Metropolis
4.6 Monasteries of the Limassol Metropolitanate
4.7 Monasteries of the Morph Metropolis
4.8 Monasteries of the Metropolis of Constance
4.9 Monasteries of the Tamas Metropolis
4.10 Monasteries of the Trimifunts Metropolis

5 Temples

5.1 Nicosia

5.2 Kyrenia

5.3 Larnaca

5.4 Limassol

5.5 Pathos

5.6 Famagusta

6 Videos

7 Links

Northern region of the island

Famagusta was once the most luxurious resort on the island. Fashionable hotels, kilometers of golden beaches, beautiful clean water - all this is a thing of the past. The situation changed after the Turkish occupation of the region. There were previously 365 temples in the city - according to the number of days in a year for the veneration of each of them as a holiday. The Turks destroyed the shrines of northern Cyprus. Only the ruins of majestic buildings remained. The wide beach area is now inaccessible because it is fenced with barbed wire and guarded by UN troops.

Orthodoxy in Cyprus[pr[edit]

On the island of Cyprus, the apostles Paul, Barnabas and Mark preached the word of God. Originally a diocese of the Church of Antioch. Since 431 it has been an autocephalous archdiocese.

The following monasteries have long been famous: Stavrovouni (IV century), which houses part of the Life-Giving Tree of the Holy Cross, brought here by Saint Helen Equal to the Apostles; Kikko (Kikko) (XII century) and Mahersky (XIII century) in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Apostle Barnabas, built on the burial site of the apostle (5th century).

In the 7th century, the island fell under the Arab yoke, from which it was freed only in 965.

In 1191, the island of Cyprus was captured again, this time by the Crusaders; from 1489 to 1571 it belonged to Venice, from 1571 to the Turks, and from 1878 to the British.

In 1960, Cyprus achieved independence and declared itself a republic, with Archbishop Makarios (1959-1977) as president.

Canonical territory - Republic of Cyprus. Nowadays the Church of Cyprus consists of one archdiocese and five metropolises, has more than 500 churches and 9 monasteries.

The residence of the Primate is located in Levkosia.

What is unusual for an Orthodox Christian from Russia in a Cypriot church?

The first thing that catches your eye in a Cypriot temple is the seats for parishioners and the uncovered heads of women. What is this connected with? In my opinion, sitting is due to a reluctance to strain and experience any discomfort, and it seems to me that this reduces the quality of the service itself - after all, the parishioner does not want to make even such a small SACRIFICE as defending the service. Well, the uncovered heads of women are most likely a contrast to Muslim women who walk with their heads covered even in everyday life. Also, the phenomenon of inappropriate clothing of women at christenings and weddings really bothers me - many come with a low neckline, very short skirts, a huge amount of jewelry, evening makeup and complex hairstyles. And the sacrament takes on a somewhat theatrical appearance. What do you think about this? Write your thoughts.

Saints[edit]
Apostle Barnabas is the founder of the Church in Cyprus.
Lazarus the Four-Days, Bishop of Kitia.
Aristobulus is one of the 70 apostles, the brother of the Apostle Barnabas.
Titus, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, was born in the city of Paphos and died a martyr there.
Sergius Paulus is the Roman proconsul on the island, converted by the Apostle Paul.
Spyridon, Bishop of Trimifunt (+ c. 348), participant in the First Ecumenical Council.
Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (+ 403), famous church writer and defender of Orthodoxy.

See the link for more information.

Primates

Gelasius? — 325
St. Epiphanius I (368-403)
St. Savin I (403 - ?)
Troilus? — 431
Rigin 431 — ?
Olympius I? — 449-451
Savin II? — 457-458
Anfemia? — 470
Olympius II
Philoxen
St. Damian
St. Sophronius I (VI century)
Gregory I
Arkady I
Plutarch (? - 620-625)
Arkady II (? - 630-641)
Sergius (? - 643)
Epiphanius II (? - 681-685)
John I (? - 691)
St. George I (? - 750)
St. Constantine (mentioned 783-787)
Epiphanius III (? - 870)
Eustathius (c. 890)
Basil
Nikolay Muzal (? - 1100)
John II the Cretan (? - 1151-1174)
Barnabas II (1175-)
Sophronius II ( - 1191)
Isaiah (- 1209)
Neophyte II (1222-1251)
George II (1251) [5][5]
Germanus I Pisimander (1251 - 1260)

1260 - 1572 - fell into union

Timothy (1572 - 1575)
Lawrence (c. 1580)
Neophyte III (1587 - 1592)
Athanasius I (1592 - June 1600)
Benjamin (1601 - 1605)
Christodoulus I (1606 - 1639 and 1640-1641)
Parthenius (1639 - 1640)
Nikephoros (1641 - 1672/3)
Hilarion Kigala (1674 - 1682)
Christodoulus II (1682 - 1690?)
James I (1690? - 1694?)
Hermann II (1694 - 1705)
Athanasius II Dabbas (1705 - 1710), recognized as legitimate in 1707, at the beginning of the same year he left for Constantinople and never returned
James II (1710 - 1718)
Sylvester (1718 - 1733)
Philotheus (1734 - 1759)
Paisiy (1759 - 1767)
Chrysanthus (1767 - May 1810)
Cyprian (October 29, 1810 – July 9, 1821)
Joachim (1821 - 1824)
Damascene (1824 - 1827)
Panaret (1827 - 1840)
Ioannikiy (1840 - 1849)
Kirill I (1849 - 1854)
Macarius I (1854 - 1865)
Sophronius III (1865 - May 9, 1900)
Kirill II (8 April 1909 - 1916)
Cyril III (1916 - 1933) (expelled by the British in 1931)
Leonty (1933 - 1947), locum tenens

Leonty (June 20, 1947 - July 26, 1947)

Macarius II (December 24, 1947 - June 28, 1950)

Macarius III (Muskos) (October 20, 1950 - August 3, 1977)

Chrysostomos I (Kykkotis) (November 12, 1977 - November 12, 2006)

Chrysostomos II (Englistriotis) (since November 12, 2006)

Shrines[edit]

The relics of saints and miraculous icons in Cyprus are located in churches and monasteries of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.

PATHOS.

Fragment of the column at which St. ap. Pavel
Catacombs of Saint Solomonia
Catacombs of Saint Lambrianos (Agios Lambrianos)
Early Byzantine Christian basilica (IV century)

NICOSIA.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Relics:

martyr George of Ptolemais (XVIII century) (access to the relics is open only during the Liturgy).

Byzantine Museum:

Icon of the Mother of God “Phaneromeni” (“Revealed”).

S. MENIKO (14 km west of Nicosia). Church of St. Cyprian. Relics and icon:

mchch. Cyprian and Justina (IV century) (particles of relics),
martyr icon Cyprian.

S. NISU (approx. 15 km south of Nicosia). Church of St. Eutyches. Powers: :

St. Eutyches (VII century) (tomb near the temple).

S. MALUNDA, near Nicosia. Temple of Panagia Chrysopanthanassa:

one of the martyrs of Iliophot (VII century) (chapter).

S. POLITIKO (21 km southwest of Nicosia). Monastery of St. Iraklidios. Relics and icon:

microwave Heraklidius of Thomas (1st – 2nd centuries) (head and right hand; access to the relics is open only during the Liturgy),
SMC icon Iraklidia.

S. KALO PANAYOTIS (approx. 40 km west of Nicosia). Monastery of St. John Lampadista:

St. John Lampadist (X – XI centuries) (chapter),
icon of St. John Lampadist.

LARNACA. Cathedral of St. Lazarus. Relics and icons:

St. Lazarus the Four Days (part of the relics),
Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria-Russian”,
Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”,
icon of St. Lazarus.

S. MOSFILOTHI (20 km west of Larnaca). Monastery of St. Thekla. Relics and icons:

equal to mts. Thekla (part of the relics),
Equal to Apostles icon mts. Thekla.

S. TRULI (approx. 10 km north of Larnaca). Mavrovouni Monastery:

martyr icon St. George the Victorious.

S. KITI (approx. 10 km southwest of Larnaca). Temple of Panagia Angeloktistissa:

Icon of the Mother of God “Angeloktistissa” (in the altar),
icon of the Archangel Michael.

LIMASSOL. Church of St. Marina:

military medical center icon Marina.

MONASTERY OF PANAGIIA-SPHALANGIOTISSA (near Limassol):

Icon of the Mother of God "Sphalangiotissa".

D. KELLIA, near Limassol. Monastery of Panagia Glossa:

Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source”.

PANAGIA-AMIROU MONASTERY (near the village of Aksyu, northwest of Limassol):

Icon of the Mother of God "Amir".

ALAMANOU MONASTERY (19 km east of Limassol, near the village of Pendakomo):

martyr icon St. George the Victorious.

SYMBULAS MONASTERY (approx. 10 km southwest of Limassol, near the British military base of Episkopi). Relics and icon:

parts of the relics of local martyrs,
martyr icon St. George the Victorious.

AMASGU MONASTERY (18 km northwest of Limassol, near the village of Monagri):

Icon of the Mother of God “Monagritissa” (“Amasgu”).

SKIT REV. JOANNA MONAGRITA (near the Amasgu monastery):

St. John Monagrite (chapter).

S. LANIYA, near the village of Monagri. Temple of Panagia Chrysolanitissa:

Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria-Valanas”.

MACHERAS MONASTERY (22 km northwest of Limassol, near the village of Pano Platres):

Icon of the Mother of God "Macheriotissa"
Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” (in the chapel)

MONASTERY OF PANAGIA-TROODITISSA (10 km west of the village of Pano Platres):

Icon of the Mother of God “Trooditissa”,
miraculous belt.

S. OMODOS (approx. 30 km northwest of Limassol). Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Relics and shrines:

ap. Philip (head)
The bonds of Christ,
a piece of the Holy Life-Giving Cross.

S. VASA, southwest of the village. Omodos. Church of the Annunciation. Relics:

St. Barnabas of Cyprus (VII century).

MONASTERY OF PANAGIIA-KYKKOS (approx. 80 km southwest of Nicosia). Relics and icons:

ap. Barnabas,
ev. Luke,
St. Epiphanius of Cyprus,
St. Kendei (VII century) and others (parts of relics),
Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful-Kykkos” (covered with a veil),
Icon of the Mother of God "Consolation and Consolation".

MONASTERY OF PANAGIA-CHRISOROYATISSA (45 km northeast of Paphos, near the village of Panagia):

Icon of the Mother of God “Chrysoroyatissa” (covered with a veil),
icon of the Savior.

GEROSKIPOU (2 km southeast of Paphos). Church of St. Paraskeva:

military medical center icon Paraskeva-Friday.

D. EMPA, northwest of Paphos. Temple of Panagia Chryseleous (usually closed):

Icon of the Mother of God "Chryseleus".

MONASTERY OF REVER. NEOPHYTA (9 km northwest of Paphos, near the village of Tala). Relics:

St. Neophyte Recluse (XII century).

Islam

Islam in Cyprus is practiced mainly by Turkish settlers. They live in the north of the island, exactly where the main mosques of the republic are located, rebuilt from the Catholic churches of Nicosia and Famagusta. Turkish Cypriots consider themselves Sunni Muslims. Religion plays a vital role in their lives, but in comparison with mainland Turkey they are less religious. The main heritage for Cypriot Muslims are mosques.

Arabakhmet. Cyprus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia, Lefcosia

Islam originated in Cyprus during the Arab occupation (7th century). The religion later experienced a lull, but was restored in 1570 during Ottoman rule. Then new mosques were built, and Christian churches were rebuilt into Muslim shrines.

One of the famous mosques, Hala Sultan Tekke, is located near Larnaca. Initially, the wife of a Turkish commander was buried here, then the mausoleum operated. Later a mosque was built. Entrance to it is available to everyone.

Monasteries[edit]

The Cypriot Orthodox Church administers many monasteries located on the island of Cyprus. The list shows the most famous monasteries, distributed by metropolis:

Stavropegic monasteries[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Kykkos Monastery	Troodos Mountains	11th century	34.98386° N. w. 32.74107° east. d. (G) (O)
Monastery of Mahera	Village of Lasagna	12th century	34.94060° N. w. 33.19090° E. d. (G) (O)*
Monastery of Saint Neophytos	Tala village	12th century	34.84670° N. w. 32.44621° E. d. (G) (O)
Monastery of the Apostle Barnabas	Engomi Village (Northern Cyprus)	5th century	35.174742° N. w. 33.880285° E. d. (G) (O)
Monastery of Panagia Katharon Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Καθάρων	Larnacas-tis-Lapithou (Northern Cyprus)	unknown	35°19′32″ n. w. 33°08′24″ E. d. (G) (O)

Monasteries of the Archdiocese of Cyprus[edit]

Monastery

Monastery of the Apostle Andrew

Monastery of the Archangel Michael

Monastery
of the Assumption

Monastery
of

Monasteries of the Paphos Metropolis[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Chrysoroyatissa Monastery	1152	34.92083° s. w. 32.50000° E. d. (G) (O)
Panagia tou Sinti Παναγία του Σίντη	Pentalia village	XIII century	34.83638° N. w. 32.63888° E. d. (G) (O)
Trooditissa Monastery
Monastery of the Holy Cross
of Panagia Salamiotissa
Monastery of the Holy Cross	Omodos village
Monastery of St. Ephraim

Monasteries of the Kiti Metropolis[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Stavrovouni Monastery	327 (according to legend)	34.88587° s. w. 33.43549° E. d. (G) (O)
Monastery of St. George Mavrovouni
Monastery of Saints Marina and Raphael

Monasteries of the Kyrenia Metropolis[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Παντελεήμονος
Ιερά Μονή Αχεροποιήτου
Ιερά Μονή Αρχαγγέλου Αντιφωνήτου
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Μελανδρίνας

Monasteries of the Limassol Metropolitanate[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Ιερά Μονή Τιμίου Προδρόμου Μέσα Ποταμού
Ιερά Μονή Συμβούλου Χριστού
Monastery of St. George Alamanu
Ιερά Μονή Ζωοδόχου Πηγής - Παναγίας Γλωσσά
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Σφαλαγγιωτίσσης
Monastery of St. Nicholas
Monastery of Panagia Amasgou Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Αμασγούς
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Αμιρούς

Monasteries of the Morph Metropolis[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Νικολάου Ορούντας
Monastery of St. John the Lampadist	Kalopanagiotis village	11th century	34.99225° N. w. 32.83016° east. d. (G) (O)
el:Μονή Παναγίας του Άρακα Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας του Άρακα
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Ασίνου
Ιερά Μονή Σταυρού Αγιασμάτη
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Ποδίθου
Ιερό Ησυχαστήριο Οσίου Σεραφείμ του Σάρωφ
Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Χρυσοκουργαλιωτίσσης

Monasteries of the Metropolis of Constance[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Κενδέου
Ayia Napa Monastery Ιερά Μονή Αγίας Νάπας

Monasteries of the Tamas Metropolitanate[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Monastery of Saint
Monastery of Saint Panteleimon (Acheras)
Ιερό Ησυχαστήριο Αγίου Ιωάννου Θεολόγου

Monasteries of the Trimifunt Metropolis[edit]

Monastery	Place	Based	Coordinates	Monastery of St. Spyridon
Monastery of St. Thekla Ιερά Μονή Αγίας Θέκλης	Mosfiloti village	IV century (according to legend)	34.946968° s. w. 33.421638° E. d. (G) (O)
Monastery of Saint Minas Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Μηνά	Vavla village	15th century	34.840343° s. w. 33.286068° E. d. (G) (O)

Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery

You can take a hiking trip to the Troodos Mountains and see colorful, quiet villages. In winter there is the opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding.

It is worth mentioning separately about this attraction. You can get to the Troodos mountain range from Paphos or Nicosia. This is a popular excursion that local guides offer tourists without fail. By the way, there is a lot more interesting in the Troodos mountains: colorful villages, beautiful landscapes, attractions. So the excursion will be interesting. But, of course, the Kykkos Monastery will become a special place for believers.

Cyprus has a lot of attractions and Orthodox places. But suddenly you find yourself in Paphos, then you need to see the royal tombs in Paphos.

Many consider the icon of the Kykkos Mother of God to be the main icon of Cyprus. According to legend, she performed many miracles, for example, in the 18th century she saved Cypriots from hunger by saving them from a locust invasion. Interesting fact: the image of the Mother of God on the icon is hidden under a silver frame; it is never opened. This gives rise to many rumors, but believers are firmly convinced that she is capable of working miracles even now.

You can talk about the holy places of Cyprus for a long time. But the best way to get to know them in person is by visiting this hospitable island with a centuries-old history.

Ancient city of Kourion in Limassol (Cyprus): what to see
Kato Archaeological Park in Paphos: how to get there
Baths of Aphrodite in Cyprus: where it is, how to get there

Temples[edit]

Nicosia[pr[edit]
Cathedral of the Apostle John the Evangelist (Nicosia)
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Moutullas)
Church of the Archangel Michael (Pedoulas)

Kyrenia[pr[edit]
Temple of the Archangel Michael (Kyrenia)

Larnaca[pr[edit]
Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca)
Church of Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena (Tochni)

Limassol[edit]
Church of the Martyr Mavra (Kilani)

Pathos[edit]
Church of Saint Paraskeva (Eroskipou)
Church of Panagia Theoskepasti (Paphos)

Famagusta[edit]
Temple of the Great Martyr Panteleimon (Paralimni)
Church of Saint Anna (Paralimni)
Temple of the Great Martyr Barbara (Paralimni)
Cathedral of the Great Martyr George the Victorious (Paralimni)
Church of St. George the Victorious (Paralimni)
Temple of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (Paralimni)
Chapel of Apostle Thomas (Paralimni)
Church of Cornelius the Centurion (Paralimni)
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Protaras)
Church of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (Protaras)
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Protaras)
Temple of the Holy Prophet Elijah (Protaras)
Temple of the Holy Martyr Charalampios of Magnesia (Protaras)
Temple of Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen (Protaras)
Church of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Protaras)
Temple of the unmercenary saints Cosmas and Damian (Ayia Napa)
Church of St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (Ayia Napa)
Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious (Ayia Napa)
Church of Equal-to-the-Apostles Thecla (Ayia Napa)
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ayia Napa)
Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious (Derinia)
Temple of Angeloktisti (Kiti)
Church of Our Lady of Chrysoliniotissa (Nicosia)
Church of St. apostles (Pera Horio)
Church of St. George (Dali)
Church of St. George (Agrin)
Church of St. microwave Cyprian and MC. Justina (Meniko)
Temple of Our Lady Asinu (Nikitari)
Church of the Archangel Michael (Visakia)
Church of the Transfiguration of Christ (Palekhori)
Church of Our Lady Chrysopantanassa (Palechori)
Church of St. prophet John the Baptist (Askas)
Church of the Holy Cross Agiasmati (near Platanistas)
Church of St. St. Nicholas under the roof (Kakopetria)
Church of Panagia Podithou (Galatea)
Church of St. St. Sozomena (Galatea)
Church of St. right Joachim and Anna (Kalian)
Church of the monastery of St. St. Ioanna Lampaditis
Church of St. St. Andronika (Kalopanagiotis)
Church of the Archangel Michael (Pedoulas)
Church of the Holy Cross (Pelendri)
Church of St. martyr Mamasa (Louvras)
Church of Panagia tou Araka (Lagoudera)
Church of St. mts. Moors (Kelani)
Church of St. VMC. Catherine (Krithu Thera)

Monastery of St. Neophytos in the vicinity of Paphos

The community was built not far from Neophytos’s first cell, 9 kilometers from the city, in the mountains. The Neophyte Recluse was an ascetic who desired solitude and service to the Holy Cross. In 1166 he was ordained priest and became rector. After 30 years, the monk retired to a mountain slope, cutting down a new cell, where he lived for 60 years.

The Turks plundered the sanctuary, leaving it desolate. Restoration began 200 years later. The discovered remains of the monk were transferred to a building where believers can see them.