Kykkos Monastery: A Spiritual Haven in the Troodos Mountains

Kykkos Monastery, officially the Holy, Royal, and Stauropegic Monastery of Kykkos, stands as a testament to faith, art, and Cypriot history. Founded around the end of the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, the monastery is perched at an altitude of 1,318 meters on the north-western face of the Troodos Mountains. The monastery's long and rich history has played a vital role in preserving Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Cyprus. Legend says that a hermit named Esaias lived in a cave on Kykkos Mountain. One day, the Byzantine governor, Manuel Boutoumites, lost his way while hunting and encountered Esaias. Boutoumites's daughter and the Emperor's daughter both suffered from the same lethargy. Esaias requested the icon of the Virgin Mary as a divine intervention for the Emperor's ailing daughter. The Emperor sent the icon to Cyprus and provided funds for the monastery's construction. Over the centuries, Kykkos Monastery has been destroyed by fire several times, resulting in the loss of ancient icons, frescoes, and manuscripts. The present structure dates back to 1831 and showcases an imposing and well-maintained edifice. The monastery's architecture features a Byzantine style, with domes, columns, and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The interior is adorned with elaborate wood and metal carvings, royal doors, and gilded icon cases. The monastery is dedicated to Panagia, the Virgin Mary, and celebrates on September 8, the Birthday of the Virgin Mary. The celebration held on August 15th for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is the biggest in Cyprus. Kykkos Monastery houses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas (Apostle Luke) the Evangelist. The icon, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis. The icon remains hidden under a protective covering, as it is said that whoever looks at it will be blinded. Kykkos Monastery is not only a religious site but also a cultural center. The monastery's museum displays a collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and other treasures. The library contains some 15,000 printed books and a hundred manuscripts in Greek. The monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks. The first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, started his ecclesiastical career there as a monk in 1926. His tomb lies 3 km west of the monastery and remains a popular visitor destination.