Pilgrimage tours to Cyprus allow everyone to get acquainted with the monuments of the Middle Ages and antiquity, Greek forums and temples, Byzantine and early Christian places of worship, as well as expand spiritual knowledge and discover the spiritual beauty of this island.
Shrines of the Troodos Mountains
Pilgrimage tours often include visits to the following sites:
- Monastery of the Holy Life-Giving Cross: pilgrims kiss the relics of saints known and revered in Russia, examine the head of Philip and a fragment of the stone from Calvary in the parish church. If you wish, you can view the exhibits in one of the museums (special attention should be paid to the Museum of Byzantine Icons).
- Trooditissa Monastery: Believers are interested in the “Belt of the Mother of God” (couples who cannot conceive a child for a long time “use” its miraculous power) and the icon-painting image of the Mother of God “Trooditissa”. Here it is recommended to get your favorite books (they are written in several languages) in a small bookstore.
- Panagia Trikukkia Monastery: believers here are shown the icon of the Apostle Luke (decorated with mother-of-pearl and gold) and offered to see the exhibits in the local museum (the main collections are Byzantine icons, utensils, historical documents).
- Kykkos Monastery: Here is an icon depicting the Mother of God, painted by the Apostle Luke.
Pilgrimage sites in Paphos
In Paphos, pilgrims should visit the Basilica of Panagia Chrysopolitissa, where you can see the preserved fragments of colorful mosaics that adorned its floor in the 13th century. It is worth noting that Orthodox services are held here on special occasions. Near the basilica, you can find the column of St. Paul (chained to it, Paul was tortured for preaching Christianity in Cyprus).
The Church of Panagia Theoskepasti is another point of pilgrimage for Christians, and all thanks to the fact that it is a repository of a silvered icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (its location is the lower tier of the church iconostasis).
The catacombs of Saint Solomonia also deserve the attention of pilgrims. An ancient pistachio tree grows at the entrance to the catacombs: there is a belief that whoever leaves his personal thing on it will heal from diseases within a year. It is worth noting that the pilgrims will have the opportunity to stock up on healing water from the spring (water is especially useful for people with eye diseases) and see the underground church, which is decorated with drawings and frescoes, as well as several icons of the Great Martyr Solomonia.
Shrines of the Mesaoria Valley
The valley, located in the central part of the island, is famous for the revered monasteries and churches of Cyprus, among which the following stand out:
- Church of Saints Cyprian and Justina: here the carved iconostasis (1818) and icons dating from the 16th century are of interest to believers. In addition, visitors to this church bow before the relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina (they are considered protectors from the evil eye and “neutralizers” of harm from sorcerers and black magicians). There is a spring near the church - everyone can wash with its holy water.
- Monastery of the First Martyr Thekla: On September 24, on the patronal feast of the monastery, Cypriots from all over the island flock here. In addition, the monastery was famed for its healing mud (located under the monastery altar and relieves skin diseases) and water from the source.
