Description of the attraction
The ancient monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistu is located in the small village of Kalopanayiotis, located deep in the Troodos mountains. Its appearance is associated with the tragic story of a 22-year-old local youth named John. The young man longed to go to a monastery and devote his life to serving God, but they tried to force him to marry. However, he stubbornly refused to marry, and as a result, the offended bride tried to poison him by putting poison in his food. Fortunately, John survived, but lost his sight completely. Blinded, but not losing faith, the young man was still able to fulfill his dream and became a monk. He is credited with many miracles performed during his lifetime - he expelled demons from people and returned water to dry springs and rivers. After his death, he was canonized.
In the chapel of the monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadist, his relics are still kept, which pilgrims from all over the world come to worship. After all, people believe that visiting this place helps to strengthen their faith. In addition, his skull is also kept there, safely hidden in a silver case.
It is believed that it was in honor of John that this monastery was built, but in fact Agios Ioannis Lampadistu is only a rebuilt temple of St. Heraclidius.
At the moment, there are no monks living in the monastery. Only once a year, on the day of the saint's death (October 4), is a funeral service held there.
Some time ago, it was turned into a kind of church museum. There you can see well-preserved church utensils of those times, art objects and many interesting things created in the period from the 12th to the 19th century. And also the main exhibit of the museum are the walls of the monastery themselves, decorated with beautiful frescoes of the 12th century.
