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 The mild Mediterranean climate, the air infused with the sea breeze and age-old cedars, an abundance of entertainment and interesting historical sites - all this gives Cyprus to travelers. One of the amazing discoveries can be a visit to the monasteries of the island.
Beautiful holy monasteries to this day, give peace of mind and strength to all people in need. Today there are 12 monasteries on the island.
Let's take a look at some of them:
1. Kykkos - the most famous monastery in Cyprus, where the life-giving icon of the Most Holy Theotokos has been kept for almost 1000 years. The monastery museum houses the richest collection of Byzantine and religious relics. The road to the monastery runs through the beautiful landscapes and cedar forests of Troodos, near Mount Olympus.
The history of the emergence of this monastery is curious. The founder is the hermit Isaiah, who lived nearby in the 11th century. Isaiah cured the sick daughter of the ruler of Constantinople, for which he received an icon of the Mother of God, according to legend, written from the Virgin Mary herself, by the Apostle Luke.
2. Monastery Stavrovouni (Holy Cross) is located west of Larnaca. Only men are allowed to enter the monastery.
The monastery got its name after St. Helena, returning from the Holy Land, left the monks with a part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified
There are many church relics and ancient icons kept here. The monastery is famous for its woodcarving workshop.
3. Monastery of Saint Thekla is a convent founded by St. Helena.
In the monastery you can wash yourself with holy water, which heals from skin diseases and eye diseases.
4. One of the most important monasteries in Cyprus - Monastery of Saint John Lampadistas, which is under the protection of UNESCO.
Here are collected Byzantine icons and frescoes from different eras and styles.
5. Troodtissa monastery.
It was founded in 1250 on a mountain between the villages of Prooromos and Platres. The holy relic - the belt of the Mother of God - is carefully preserved in the monastery. There is a belief that the Belt heals women from diseases and helps to conceive a child.
6. Monastery of St. Neophytos -10 km north of Paphos.
It was formed next to the stone hermitage where Neophytos lived for over 40 years.
The relics of this Saint are still kept on the territory of the monastery.
Every year, on September 28, all of Cyprus celebrates the Day of Saint Neophytos.
This holiday attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
7. Chrysoroyatissa monastery, located north of Troodos.
The monastery was founded by the monk Ignatius, who found the Icon of the Mother of God with a Golden Garnet in the sea. It is believed that the attachment to the icon helps to get rid of the feeling of guilt. The monastery is also famous for its own wines.
8. Monastery of St. Minas - 11 km from Larnaca.
This is a 15th century nunnery, very cozy and beautiful. Its walls are painted with medieval frescoes. The monastery houses an icon of St. Minos. - turning to her brings material benefits to believers.
When visiting monasteries, it is recommended to follow some simple rules: dress according to the occasion, take into account the daily routine of the inhabitants of the monastery. Although there are no official hours for visiting monasteries, one must respect the monks and not disturb their afternoon nap from 12 to 13.30.
After the visit, it is customary to leave a donation in a special dish.
The history of all monasteries is full of tragic events, during the times of persecution of believers, most of the monasteries gave them shelter and protection.
Not only believers, but also ordinary travelers, visiting these Holy Places brings an amazing feeling of peace and tranquility, and the spiritual energy of the monasteries feeds the tired spirit and helps to move on along the path of life.
Talivia
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