St. John's Cathedral: A Spiritual Heart in Nicosia

St. John's Cathedral, or Agios Ioannis, stands as a testament to Nicosia's rich history and religious heritage. Constructed in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos, the cathedral occupies the grounds of a 14th-century Benedictine abbey dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The name 'Bibi' is derived from the Arabic word 'habibi,' meaning 'beloved,' a reference to Saint John as Christ's beloved student.In 1426, due to Mamluk raids, the Benedictine Order left, and the monastery transitioned to Orthodox hands, retaining its dedication to St. John the Theologian. Archbishop Sylvester renovated it in 1720, transforming it into the Orthodox Archbishop's residence. While the foundation stone was laid in 1662, it wasn't consecrated as the Orthodox Cathedral until 1720.The cathedral's exterior is deliberately modest, a requirement under Ottoman rule. However, the interior is a dazzling display of gilded woodwork, crystal chandeliers, and vibrant frescoes. These frescoes, created between 1736 and 1756 during Archbishop Filotheos' tenure, depict biblical scenes and the history of the Church of Cyprus. Notably, the south wall features a painting of the discovery of the tomb of Apostle Barnabas at Salamis. St. John's Cathedral is the only church in Nicosia where all the internal wall paintings have survived completely.The carved iconostasis, covered in gold leaf, is another highlight. The four large icons on the iconostasis were painted by John Kornaro in the late 1790s. As the official state church, it features an ornate throne for the archbishop and places for the President of Cyprus and the Greek Ambassador. Coronations of new Archbishops of Cyprus take place here.