- Address: Grigori Afxentiou, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- Date of creation: 15th century
Ayia Napa is a small resort town located in the eastern part of Cyprus. Now the city has ceased to be a place for family rest and is more famous for its parties, however there are a lot of cultural and spiritual places that are obligatory for viewing, one of them is the monastery of Ayia Napa.
Legends of the monastery
The history of one of the most beautiful monasteries in Cyprus dates back to the 14th century. It was at that time, according to one of the legends, that the icon of the Most-Holy Theotokos was found. The legend tells that in the forest of the hunter attracted the persistent barking of his dog. Deciding to figure it out, the hunter followed the dog and noticed a bright light coming from a small cave, peering into which he found an icon. Most likely, the icon was hidden here in 7-8 centuries, when there was a period of persecution of Christians and their shrines were destroyed. Soon a cave was built on the site of the cave, which then expanded to the monastery. The monastery received its name from the icon - Ayia Napa means "holy forest".
According to another legend, the monastery was formed due to a rich family of a girl, whom parents did not allow to marry with a non-knowledgeable young man. Having burned up, the girl retired to the church, where she lived until the end of her days. Parents at their own expense built new premises, fountains and an arbor, in which the girl bequeathed herself to be buried. Whether the girl is actually buried there or not is for certain unknown, however this beautiful legend has a place to be. On the opposite side of the monastery Ayia Napa, near the pond, according to legend, the founder of the monastery planted a tree - this spreading sycamore and now meets everyone who wants to visit this shrine.
From the history of the monastery
The monastery is interesting because during its entire existence it has not undergone destruction and reorganization and now tourists can admire it in its pristine form.
The monastery of Ayia Napa for its time was either male or female, and in the 16th century it became Orthodox from the Catholic. The monastery was last about the 18th century, then for unknown reasons the monks left it. According to one version, this was due to the sudden colonization of the place by Greek families who fled their cities from the plague.
In the middle of the 20th century, the monastery was restored, thanks to which the monastery is now a place for holding meetings for representatives of different faiths. Also after the restoration, the monastery also acquired the status of a museum open to visitors. In addition, recently there are festivals, and on the initiative of the archbishop the monastery has the status of the World Center for Christian Conferences and the Center of the Cultural Academy of St. Epiphany.
The neighborhood of the monastery
Not far from the monastery of Ayia Napa, to the west, there is a hill. According to tradition, the Virgin once rested on it. At this place was built a small chapel, furnished with icons with images of Christ, the Virgin and other saints, where anyone can spend time in prayer.
Monastery now
In the 90s of the 20th century a new church was built in the vicinity of the monastery, named after the Mother of God of the Virgin Mary. Believers and ordinary couples go here to pray for the continuation of the family, because, according to legend, the girdle surrounding the miracle-working belt will necessarily solve problems of childlessness and sincere wishes will be fulfilled.
How to get there?
To get to the monastery it is better to walk or by car on the coordinates. Be prepared, that there can be difficulties with parking, as at a monastery it is not provided.
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