CYPRUS: Kykkos Monastery
The Holy Monastery of Kykkos was
founded by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I in the 11th century AD. Situated
in the Troodos Mountains of central Cyprus, it is celebrated for an icon of
the Virgin Mary which is attributed to the disciple St Luke. The icon is so
sacred in the Orthodox faith that when it was brought to the island, legend
tells of trees in the Troodos piously bending their trunks and branches, on
its approach. The `Virgin of Kykkos` is reputed to possess healing powers
and to be capable of making rain, and is always the first object to be
removed, if the monastery is under threat from forest fires. A superb museum
within the monastery complex, displays rare and unique religious reliquaries
made of gold, ivory and enamel, as well as rich silk brocades. Early
Christian exhibits include oil-lamps, censers, candlesticks and a collection
of silver gilt vessels - communion cups, monstrances as well as gospel
covers, used in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Ingenious lighting in
the museum brings to life other items such as pearl-studded crosses,
embroidered vestments, and a fine collection of Byzantine icons. Of special
note is a copper engraving from 1778 which depicts the Virgin of Kykkos
distributing alms surrounded by panels featuring scenes from the monastery
at that time.