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 attributed to the disciple St Luke. The icon is so sacred in
the Orthodox faith that when it was first 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. It is always the first object to be removed if the monastery is threatened by forest fires. A superb
museum within the building complex displays rare or unique religious
reliquaries made from gold, ivory, enamel, silks as well as rich brocades.
Early Christian exhibits include oil-lamps, censers, candlesticks and a
collection of silver gilt vessels - communion cups, monstrances and gospel
covers used to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Ingenious lighting 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 featuring the Virgin of
Kykkos distributing alms and surrounded by panels featuring scenes from the
monastery at that time.