Cyprus is known for its beautiful coastlines, turquoise seas, dense cedar forests and picturesque villages,
but if you really want to understand the island, you should also visit the spiritual heart inland: the famous Kykkos Monastery, one of the most important and visited monasteries on the island. It is located at an altitude of 1140 meters in the Troodos Mountains in the Paphos region, nestled in the quiet, untouched mountain landscape.

Even the way there - be it by car or via one of the numerous hiking trails - is an experience in itself. The winding paths through the Troodos Mountains get visitors in the mood for the special atmosphere of the monastery, which fascinates with a mixture of history, faith and legend.

The imposing monastery complex impresses with richly decorated colonnades, colourful mosaics, a magnificent St. Mary's Church and the monastery's own museum, which exhibits valuable icons, manuscripts and ecclesiastical works of art. Today, about ten monks live there – and yet the Kykkos Monastery is considered one of the most spiritually influential places in Cyprus.

The monastery owes its reputation above all to a legendary icon of Mary, which, according to tradition, has healing powers. The legend goes back to the hermit Isaias, who settled in the Troodos Mountains at the end of the 11th century. One day, when the then Byzantine governor of the island got lost while hunting, he asked Isaias for help – but the monk refused to give him the way. Out of anger, the governor is said to have kicked him, but became seriously ill shortly afterwards. In a dream, the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to him and commanded him to ask for forgiveness.

The monk finally healed the governor through prayer – and he had an icon of Mary brought from Constantinople to Cyprus as a sign of his repentance. This icon, it is said, was painted by Apostle Luke himself and has since been said to alleviate illnesses and work miracles. Even today, it is kept inside the monastery, covered by a cloth, as its direct appearance according to the Orthodox faith is to be avoided.

A visit to the Kykkos Monastery is more than just an excursion – it is a spiritual journey into the past, to a place that still moves believers, history buffs and nature lovers alike today.

Author: Tom Weyerman
Source: MF_Archiv