Holy monastery of Panagia Galaktotrofoussa

 

In the northwest of Kofinos, in the province of Larnaca, near the Monastery of Stavrovouni, there is a small male monastery dedicated to Panagia the Milkmaid. This is a True Orthodox monaster that belongs to the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece. The church of Panagia Galaktotrofoussa (Παναγίας της Γαλακτοτροφούσας) is built in the style of a basilica with a dome. It got its name from the icon of the Virgin that shows her holding the newborn Christ in her arms and nursing Him. For this reason, these images are especially loved by new mothers and especially by those who are breastfeeding. The indestructible body of the founder of the Monastery is also kept in the monastery.

In this particular monastery, on December 21, 1963, the brutal killing of three monks and the wounding of four others, by Turkish Cypriot extremists, took place during the intercommunal riots of 1964.

Saint Ariston Whom We Commemorate on February 22

 

Back in the days of old, our island was called the Island of Aphrodite (Venus). It was thought that she was born one morning from the foam of the Sea at Paphos. The festivals that were held in her honor throughout antiquity were an extraordinary phenomenon. A certain time of the year a vast number of people, celebrants and followers of this goddess came from all over Europe to our island for her celebration. Thus, our Cyprus, the island of that goddess had become a place of license and corruption.

When "the grace of God, the salvation of mankind" deemed it possible, a ship, one of the type that comes to our island, carried on it as passengers the Apostles Barnabas, Paul, and Mark, who later became the Evangelist (45AD). The situation changed drastically once and for all. The sermon of the Gospel that was planted by the servants of Christ into the hearts of the natives of the island in the areas that they visited, and which was continued with persistence by their successors had a powerful impact. The worship of the idols with all its implications on the life of the inhabitants was replaced by the worship of Christ with all its well- known characteristics. A complete transformation took place. The Apostle Paul himself declared this: "Wherever sin abounded, grace was more abundant." A place where the cult of Aphrodite had elevated sin and iniquity into a mode of life, the higher life of the humble teacher of Galilee begins to establish itself everywhere. The abject and corrupt society of Cyprus is replaced by a new world of goodness, and collectiveness. A world of self-denial and love. The island of Aphrodite becomes in a short period the island of the Theotokos, the island of the Saints.

A great number of holy men were born on Cyprus and lived in it. Amongst these men stands the figure of Saint Ariston, commonly known to the people as Saint Aristos who lived at the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the fifth. All we know about him comes to us from Saint Neophytos the Recluse who gives a vague description, as very little is known about him. An encomium was written to our Saint by Neophytos and two other Bishops but few are the details mentioned about his life. In the encomium he is described as a stalwart and a bastion against the demons. Ariston, the celebrated Bishop of Arsinoe is dreaded by the demons. From that time on and until the subjugation of the Church of Cyprus to the Latins, (1220AD) in the Diocese of Paphos there were two bishops. One in the territory of Paphos with the Diocese in New Paphos, and the other in the territory of Arsinoe with the Diocese at Arsinoe, at the location where the city of Chysochous is situated today. According to St. Neophytos, Ariston the famous Saint is the second in order of all Bishops at Arsinoe. The first was someone named Nicholas. Ariston is next in line, and then we have Saints Nikon and Arcadios. All these three, Ariston, Nikon, and Arcadios are considered by Neophytos as equal in stature to the three great Fathers of our Church, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.

The description of Saint Ariston as a dread blow to the demons, "aristos aristeus against the demons", gives us reason to believe that this great personage was born of parents who were devout and pious Christians, who guided him along in his Christian upbringing. The sacred letters were his preoccupation from the first years of his life. A virtuous conduct and its pursuit was Ariston's main goal.

The words of the Prophet Jeremiah "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth," (Jer. 2:27), were always before him. With this type of instruction he developed his good character. His complete submission to the Lord helped him establish the virtue of meekness and with meekness the queen of all virtues, humility. And from it, obedience, and sanctity.

Our Saint was a chosen servant of God. It was natural that he received the rewards and blessings of Heaven. His was a life of grace and truth. (John 1:14). That is why among the numerous gifts that God bestowed upon him was the grace to perform miracles, even during his lifetime. Our Saint became a source of miracles. Miracles of healing and especially of those who were possessed. Rightfully does the Saint Neophytos describe him as a blow to the demons, "kata demonon pen aristos aristeus." His deep faith and devotion to God were the means that gave him such wondrous works, whose purpose was to comfort and of relieve those who suffered under all their tribulations and also to the glory of God. Saint Ariston retained this gift not only when he was alive but even after death. A simple call to him and with faith in God was enough to grant to the caller the favor that he sought. This is repeated to our own day.

Auxibius of Solon Whom We Commemorate on February 17

Auxibius, our holy father, was a native of old Rome. His parents were wealthy but they were idolaters. They had two sons; the blessed Auxibius and Themistagoras. As a youth, Auxibius was described as being asteios and of a good nature. The word asteios means "humorous'. He is also described as a meek individual and prudent like Joseph-the all-good. In general, he was adorned with many great qualities. When the right time came, his parents assigned teachers to him and he became adept in the secular wisdom. When he reached the right age, his parents intended to see him marry. Unbeknownst to them, Auxibius had his mind fixed on divine things and good thoughts. So he was adverse to this. He had been exposed to the teachings of Christ and wished to become a Christian. As his parents learned of this, they bore resentment against him. His father threatened and pressured him to get married. His mother was not so forceful, but she implored him to listen to his father.

Auxibius noticed that they were serious about this and that their wishes were contrary to his, so he decided to leave Rome in secret. He was certain that this was the only way. So a few days later, he left his home and went down to the seaport where he saw a ship ready to sail for the east. He left everything behind except for a small amount of money which he used for food. And he boarded the ship and sailed away. A few days later, the ship arrived at a small town in Cyprus called, Limnetes. This town was four miles distant from the city of Solon. It was there that divine providence led him so that many souls would be saved through him. There he met St. Mark, the Evangelist who asked him the name of his country. He told him he was from Rome and he had come there to become a Christian.

Now St. Mark noticed that Auxibius was resolved to become a Christian and that he was reliable. So he catechized him and taught him the Word of Truth and baptized him in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, ordaining him a bishop. He taught him how to teach the Gospel of Jesus. Following this, he sent him to the city of Solon and advised him with these words, "That city is full of idols and its citizens have not been taught the word of God yet, because they are under the dark shadow of the idols. Now you must do as I tell you. In the beginning when you go there no one must know that you are a Christian. Pretend that you use their religion and after a length of time passes, you must communicate with them as if they are infants. Nourish them with milk until they are ready to receive more sturdy food. Teach them the simple things until they are prepared to accept more advanced knowledge." These were the instructions of the Apostle. He added many more things and then bid him farewell and departed in peace. Later, he boarded a ship bound for Egypt and sailed to Alexandria. When he arrived he preached the Gospel declaring everywhere the Kingdom of God.

Meanwhile, the blessed Auxibius left Limnetes and came to Solon by the city gates. In the west sector of the city there was a temple of the mythical god of the Greeks, Zeus. In that temple there resided a priest of the idols. As Auxibius was passing by the temple, the priest saw him and recognized that he was a stranger and invited him into his house and offered him hospitality. So he stayed with that priest on that day. The following day, the priest asked him about his provenance and why he traveled to Solon. St. Auxibius told him that he was a citizen of Rome and was on his way to Palestine, but was washed ashore at Limnetes. Then he was told that Solon was a good city to live in and went to see for himself, but first he asked the priest to allow him to reside with him a few days until he found a dwelling of his own. The priest told him, "You may stay with me and feel at home."

Auxibius stayed there for a long time without letting anyone know that he was a Christian. He pretended that he used the religion of the Greeks reckoning that if the devil changes his appearance to that of an angel in order to bring over those who obey him and by means of good and pleasant words he brings them from the light into darkness as do his servants and followers, how much more should we alter ourselves before our fellow man, so that we may separate them from the rule of the dismal powers and bring them to the light of the knowledge of God? As he concentrated on these thoughts the servant of God Auxibius, remained in the aforementioned place.

A few days passed and he says to the priest, "Brother, there is something I must tell you." And the priest said, "Tell me." "Why do you worship the idols as gods, who are nothing but wood and senseless stones? They have mouths and yet they do not speak, they have eyes and do not see, ears that cannot hear and neither do they smell the sacrifices that you offer unto them. The One whom the Christians revere and worship is the True God. As I have heard from a number of them. For I heard that He performs many miracles and signs and cures." When the priest heard all this, he was moved to contrition and no longer worshipped the idols. From then on, he was taught by the blessed Auxibius about the Faith of Christ. In this preoccupation, Auxibius persisted for a long time. He also went into the city teaching people in secret and he exited again and on his return he stayed in the aforementioned quarters at the temple of Zeus.

While Auxibius sojourned in that location, Mark, the Apostle preached the Gospel of Christ in Alexandria and many believed. Consequently, he took a recess and went to find St. Paul. He found him and paid his respects. St. Paul received him with much gladness. St. Mark thus, told him about the Apostle Barnabas and how he met his good end as he was martyred at Salamis. Consequently, Mark stayed with St. Paul until the day of his repose. When St. Paul received the news of St. Barnabas' death and that none of the apostles were in Cyprus to teach the Gospel of Jesus, he sent Epaphras, Tychicos and others to Heracleides, the Archbishop of Cyprus. He corresponded with him suggesting that Epaphras be installed as bishop of Paphos and Tychicos as bishop of Neapolis and in every other city others. In the city of Solon, he must contact a Roman citizen named Auxibius whom he must declare Bishop of Solon. However, he must not ordain this Auxibius because he was ordained already by the Apostle Mark. As soon as the blessed Heracleides received these letters, he read them and without delay did exactly as he was ordered.

He went to the city of Solon and found Auxibius after a search, at the site of the temple of Zeus and they greeted one another. And the blessed Heracleides said to him, "My son, Auxibius, I have been directed by the Apostles of Christ to tell you; how long will you conceal the lamp under the tablecloth and refuse to put it on top of the Cross so that it will shine for the inhabitants of this city? Come, therefore and enlighten those who have been blinded by the darkness of idolatry, and become a herald of repentance. How long will you continue to hide the talent that you received from your master? Multiply it sevenfold so you will hear the words, 'Very good, O trusted and worthy servant'. You are faithful when it comes to the few, I entrusted you with the many. Have you not heard the Gospel which says, "Those who sow in tears will also reap with gladness?' Spread the word of God in the winter of idolatry that covers this city so you will reap a great harvest with gladness of soul and serenity. Fear not those who destroy the body but fear God who can cast body and soul into damnation, for the Lord has said, "I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves". And again He said, "When they surrender you before kings and potentates, do not be wary about what you shall answer for the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say." At the end of these words, Heracleides took St. Auxibius and entered the city and said a prayer. He then marked the plan of a church on the ground which was small in length but large according to the grace of God. He also taught him the Ecclesiastical order which he was taught by the Apostles and surrendered him to the Lord and returned to his own city.

In the meantime, St. Auxibius wasted no time and commenced to build the church. He knelt on the earth and prayed in tears saying, "Dear God Almighty, who created the heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is in it. Who created man, taking up soil from the earth and honoring him in Thine own image and by the deceit of the devil, he met death. But you did not turn your face away to the end, but you sent us your only begotten Son for the salvation of our race. O Lord Jesus Christ, you did triumph on the Cross, against the powers and hegemony of the devil. You did give your Holy Apostles the power to step on snakes and scorpions and all the dominion of the enemy. Empower me also with your own suppliant to propagate your Word with authority. Instill your fear, O Lord, in the hearts of these people. Enlighten them by your grace so that they may return from the delusion of the devil and come to know you, the True God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. May it be that your Holy Spirit shall dwell in this temple which was erected in your Holy name. Render it unshakable, O Lord, in your Faith until the end of time. For you have said, 'On this rock shall I build the Church and the gates of hell shall not hold sway over it. Bring back, O Lord, your wandering flock within your sacred fold. For you are the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. Extend your almighty hand which is invisible and by the rod of your Holy Cross drive out the wolf that lurks and preys upon your flock. Bring back those who have drifted away so they will become one flock unto one Shepherd. Open the door unto me also by your mercy so I may stretch out my hand and do signs and wonders in your name and in your only begotten Son's; our Lord Jesus Christ. To Whom is due all glory, honor and dominion and to your Holy and Life-giving Spirit now and unto the ages. Amen."

At the completion of his prayer, he rose up from the earth and went to a public place in the city and began to teach concerning the Kingdom of God. A large group of people gathered around him and he taught them saying, "Dear brethren and fathers, Hearken unto me and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ Whom I declare. For He is the Savior and Redeemer of all those who believe in Him. Receive the light of knowledge therefore. Lift up your eyes and give up the traditional religion of your fathers, and come to the knowledge of the True God, the Creator of all things who alone can save your souls." As he taught all these things in the presence of everyone, he convinced many to abandon the dismal idols and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ through his good sermon. He also invoked and possessed the grace from God to heal the sick and to drive out demons. And with the passage of time, those converted increased in number and were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit confessing their sins. Those who knew diseased people brought them to St. Auxibius and as he laid hands on them they were healed by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. News of this reached the rural population, so they came to the city. They brought with them many people with ailments and these he cured by invoking the name of the Holy Trinity. And as they believed, they were baptized.

There was a man from the village of Salapotamion. His name was Auxibius also. When he heard about the great Auxibius and his teaching and virtue, he came to him and fell at his feet and implored him with these words, "Father, give me the seal of Christ that is Holy Baptism. Our Saint catechized him after this and taught him about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And later baptized him in the name of the Holy Trinity. Auxibius stayed with St. Auxibius for the rest of his life following his teaching and he too became an outspoken man, progressing with wisdom and the grace of God. He followed the footsteps of his good teacher and lived in fear of God, imitating his teacher in everything.

One day, Auxibius the disciple of the saint, went on an excursion considerable distance from Solon to the east, to a meadow called Tarichos, to rest from his daily cares. He lay under a tree and rested in the shade. He fell asleep and behold a multitude of ants surrounded his head and formed a halo. When St. Auxibius came along and witnessed this he marveled and kept it in his memory as he understood that the industrious species of the ants reveals that they motivate the restive mind to perform good deeds as says King Solomon; "Imitate the ant, indolent man, and envy his ways. The halo symbolized the value of the hierarchy, for the student one day would sit on the throne of the teacher who was also the shepherd. So he roused his student and entered the Church. The disciple was obedient to the teacher in everything and served him well. at a

The blessed Auxibius prayed to God both day and night for the salvation of the people and their conversion as he taught them continually. And the flock of Jesus increased and multiplied by day, while the numbers of the enemy decreased by day. When our saint's brother, Themistagoras, heard about his brother, he came to Solon with his wife, the blessed Timo; for she too was virtuous. At the earliest opportunity, they entered the Church and greeted one another as there was much gladness at their meeting. Henceforth, they stayed at the diocese and were taught by the blessed Auxibius, who baptized them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He proceeded to ordain Themistagoras to a Deacon of the Holy Church and his wife to Deaconess. After their baptism, they were separated from each other and lived as brother and sister because they had attained dispassion. The grace of God had now come upon the city of Solon and almost everyone believed in the Lord Jesus Christ through the teachings of St. Auxibius and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Auxibius noticed that the Church was small and there was not room for everyone. He contemplated on building a larger church in the name of God, so he bowed down and implored God to send him all the help he needed. When he stood on his feet, he laid down the plan of the church and with the will of God and His divine help, he constructed a great and impressive church, the Holy Catholic Church which he decorated and embellished, and dedicated it to our Lord Jesus Christ.

How can we not marvel and praise the courageous laborer of Christ? How alone he encountered the adversary and defeated him, and from his hands he rescued many a victim. For the enemy had subjected everyone to his authority. And when our saint entered the land there was not one Christian. But by the grace of Jesus he made them all Christians. He completed his tasks that he set out to accomplish and became a herald of the truth as he honored the position of the bishop for fifty years or longer, then came to the end of his life. So he called all the honored clergy together and said to them, "Dear fathers and brethren, hearken to my words and attend to my reasoning; behold I depart to the way of my fathers as all people do who inhabit the earth. And you, my children, must caution yourselves. You must stand firm in the Faith of our Lord so no one will waylay you with vain and subtle words. You all know how I suffered in this city. By day and night, I prayed to God so He would open the way for me to reveal the mystery of Christ, and the true God did not disregard me but helped me. And now, O brethren, I entrust you to the Lord and to the words of His grace by which He will enlighten you and as an inheritance shall bestow the kingdom of heaven to you with all the saints. Stand upright, therefore, and keep the traditions which you received from me and do not hesitate to accept the hierarch that God has selected for you. For He is one of you and resides among you and shall serve you of His own accord." At the end of these words, he presented Auxibius, his student, before them and said to him, "It is you that God has chosen as bishop. You shall lead the flock of Jesus which He has cultivated with His own blood." Then he bid farewell to all his clergy and on the third day it was heard that St. Auxibius was about to leave this life. Upon hearing this, the entire congregation assembled in the Church lamenting and weeping. He kissed everyone and then in peace surrendered his soul to the hands of God. They buried him with the proper respect and his relic was placed in a larnax which he himself had designed. On the exterior there was the following epigraph, "I charge you in the name of Jesus that no one must open this larnax until the decease of my brother, Themistagoras." On the day that the most honored relic of the Saint was buried it became a source of many miracles. Many were those who were healed of diverse ailments and from unclean spirits. Even those dwelling in the rural areas heard of the miracles that the honored relic of the Saint worked, by divine grace.

They came to the city in all haste, men and women, falling before his larnax and were subsequently healed by the grace of God.

It did not take long for the reports to reach the city of Paphos that many healings had taken place through St. Auxibius. There were forty men who were possessed by evil spirits and they came from Paphos to the proximity of Solon. When they came to within fifteen miles of the town, St. Auxibius appeared to them and drove out their evil spirits, thus freeing them all by the grace of God. As soon as these men were cleansed from the foul spirits, they came running to Solon and described to everyone that which happened on the way-side to them. All those who heard this gave praise and glory to God because He bestowed such grace upon His own servant. Those who were cured journeyed to the place where the relic lay and fell before it and thanked God who honored His servant. Then they departed in peace to their country, Paphos. And for this, the Paphians celebrate his memory to this day.

In consequence, the blessed Themistagoras witnessed the miracles that were created at the site where the relic lay in state and that the larnax was a source of cures and healings. He announced that he was not worthy to be buried with St. Auxibius so he charged all the clergy of the Church that none should dare open the coffin of Auxibius after his repose, in order to bury him in it. And they complied. Within the larnax, the relic of St. Auxibius remained alone and his tomb became an ever- flowing source of miracles to the glory of God, in commemoration of His Saint, by whose intercessions may we be deemed worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen. 

Saint Mariamne Whom We Commemorate on February 17

 

A virtuous woman was very difficult to find in the pre-Christian world. Difficult and rare. Not so in the Christian era. If we were to mention names we would need many pages. We shall limit ourselves to one name, one gem, the holy and equal to the Apostles Mariamne, the sister of the glorious Apostle Philip. That devout virgin, whose brother's relics sanctify our beloved island, is "more precious than precious stones." To her are dedicated the following lines.

Mariamne was born in Bethsaida of Galilee, the home of the Apostles Andrew and Peter. From her devout parents she inherited a patrimony as well as did her brother Philip. That is their piety. Especially after the latter was called to the Apostolic order, the entire family began to live their separate lives with greater devotion. The teaching of Christ which she followed as she could, helped the young woman from her earliest years to perform the will of God and make it a way of life. Her true love for Christ was the reason that she rejected many wedding proposals for she preferred to be free of family obligations and follow her brother in his missionary work and commitment.

After the Holy Spirit descended, her brother Philip started out to carry the message of the Gospel with the other Apostles to new places where the grace of God had called them. Philip traveled with his friend Bartholomew and Mariamne through the cities and provinces of Asia Minor. Together they taught the Gospel of Christ with resolve and dedication. Mariamne's motto was self-denial and dedication as she followed the two Apostles on their long journey. With them, she shared their joys and sorrows as well as their many trials at the hands of the infuriated idolators.

In spite of the obstacles and difficulties they met in their journey, the missionary group preached the Gospel in many cities of Lydia, Phrygia and Pamphylia (ancient provinces in Asia Minor). The many miracles which the Apostles worked on their path helped them achieve great success. But also their suffering and persecution was intense. In these, the young maiden received her share as a consequence of her contributions and zeal.

After many years of dedicated work, the blessed missionary team arrived at Neapolis of Phrygia. The sermon of the Apostles attracted many people every day. Each night large numbers of Greek people went to listen to this sermon and be baptized. The words of our Lord Jesus spoken to Phillip and Andrew when they approached him and told Him that a few Greeks who were converts to Judaism, had come to see Him began to come true. "The time has come for the Son of man to be glorified."(John 12:29). In other words, the time which was ordained by God for the Son of man to be glorified had arrived. To be glorified with His crucifixion and ascension, and be recognized by the Greeks as the Messiah and the Savior, who at that time represented the gentiles. Blessed was that day and great because the coming of the Greeks into the Christian Faith signaled the triumph of the new religion. The spread of Christianity to the many cities of Asia Minor had its consequences. The evil one, turned his malice against the zealous workers of the new Faith. One night as the Apostle Phillip was speaking and the masses clung to his lips, certain idolators abducted him and his colleagues and tortured them unhumanly. Then they turned them over to the authorities. A false trial was set up and the result was that Phillip was put to death and the others were tortured. The executioners seized the Apostle and after they chastised him, they tied him from his ankles and suspended him upside down from a tree. They did the same to Bartholomew and Mariamne.

The crowd of idolators observed the martyrdom of the Lord's servants with jeers and howls, even though the former prayed and asked God to forgive them. God is merciful and good. But, he also punishes. At that same moment, as the enemies of Christ were amusing themselves and rejoicing at the martyrdom of Mariamne and the Apostles, suddenly an earthquake struck, and it shook the earth, and a great number of idolaters fell into the chasm that opened up in their midst. And those that did not fall into the chasm responded with shrilling and shouts and called upon the martyrs to forgive them and to ask their God to have mercy upon them. Their repentance was sincere, so the all-merciful Lord forgave them and stopped the earthquake. Those that had fallen into the pit came back out. The magnate, Anthypatos, remained in the fissure with his wife Echidna as a lesson to all. At that same time, there was a magnificent vision which served as proof of divine might. A great ladder appeared that stretched from heaven to earth. That was the way to salvation for them. The crowd rushed and took down Bartholomew and Mariamne from the limbs of the tree. Phillip continued to teach them and to exhort them so they would repent and be baptised. But before they could take him down, his sacred soul departed to Heaven for all of eternity.

Bartholomew and Mariamne took the relic and buried it, shedding tears of love and gratitude on it; tears for those who were baptised and of their own love. Bartholomew set final order at the Church of Hierapolis and appointed as Bishop the well-known Stachys. Then, along with Mariamne, he set out towards Lycaonia propagating the word of God. Later, he went to distant India where he continued his mission, and where he had a martyr's death by crucifixion. Mariamne returned to Palestine after Lycaonia, by the banks of the Jordan River where she reposed in peace.

The adventures and sufferings of the missionary group which highlighted their journey, and the many beatings and risks that Mariamne sustained did not manage to bend her zeal, nor to stop her from observing the many thousands of women at the places she toured, as they were baptised and decided to live a Christian life. The virgin's rare courage is an excellent example for every woman to imitate, especially young women. Today, when a great part of our island anguishes under the boot of the most barbaric conqueror, and thousands of our churches are desecrated daily by the infidel Turks, more than at any other time, the example of sacrifice of the virgin and her determination should always be before us. In order to teach and remind us that only with Christ will our life have any meaning, and only with Christ shall we see better days. and our Cyprus free again, blessed and joyful.

O Saint of God Mariamne pray for us sinners. Amen.

Panagia Amirou Holy Monastery

The miracle of the Virgin Mary and the erection of the monastery

The Holy Monastery of Panagia of Amirou is built at the foot of the Kakomali mountain range, northeast of Limassol, between the villages of Apsiou and Mathikoloni, in a magnificent location overlooking the sea.

Its name:

There are several versions of the name of the monastery. However, the predominant one says that a Syrian Emir had a blind, born daughter. In his attempt to find a way to cure her, he wanted to take her abroad to good doctors. As they were with the ship outside the coast of Amathus, the blind daughter saw for the first time light at some point on the coast. Following the light, they were led to a rock from where healing spells flowed. The girl washed her face with the holy water and began to see. At the same place was found an icon of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the era of iconoclasm. Emir, wanted to please the Virgin Mary, who gave sight to his daughter, he built a temple in honor of her in the same place that it is today. A variation of the story is that Emir himself was blind. Whatever the case, from Emiris and from his daughter Emiros, after the corruption of the word, the monastery was named "Amirus".

Many, however, argue that the name of the Monastery of Our Lady - Panagia of Amirous comes from her tenant, probably named "Amira".

Historical data:

The first official mention of the monastery of Amiros is made in 1568. The monastery, however, is referred to as a 12th century building and was considered a royal monastery. Today it is renovated and the miraculous icon is embodied in a bigger picture of the 16th century Virgin Mary, which is placed in the wood-carved, gilded icon screen of the Monastery.

Originally, the monastery of Panagia Amirous was male and in the 17th century the monks numbered 101. The monastery was abandoned in the late 18th century. In 1997 she was rebuilt by the efforts of the old woman Maria, who was rejuvenated with much effort. After having succeeded and renovated it, it re-opened as a female monastery and dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi. The old woman, Maria, died on 7-10-2001 and, at her wish, was buried in the monastery. Today (2018), five monks are housed in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Amira. In the Monastery, the healing holy water still springs up.

In 2008, a new building complex was built and the first phase was completed in 2010 with cells, guest rooms and a new temple dedicated to Saint Catherine.

In the monastery can be found also the Holy relics of Saint Marina of Antioch.

Theophilus the New Whom We Commemorate on January 30

 

 Theophilus the Confessor was born and raised in the queen of cities and capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople. His parents were pious and dedicated Christians, and they tried to give him a Christian upbringing and education since his boyhood. As their guide they had the words of the Apostle: "And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) The result of their efforts was great. Theophilus was reared with the words of Christ and with the example of his parents. Thus he was set aside from the other children since his childhood. This happens often. The example of the parents plays an important role in the upbringing of the children.

 At that time, the temptations and snares of the evil one were many. But with the aid of prayer and vigilance, the boy increased in time, and at an unusually early age he was elected to serve in the Senate and became one of its most respected members. This happened in the days of Constantine and Irene the pious Emperors who at the time ruled Byzantium. The great Empire was divided administratively in separate states which were called Themes. One such state was the Theme of Cibyrraeotes from the Carian city of Cibyrra. The people of that theme were famous seamen under the command of the Byzantium emperors. For this reason the supervision and protection of the Mediterranean Sea and especially the sea lane between Cilicia and Cyprus was in their hands. The Arab-Saracens wreaked havoc over those areas at the time. The position of commander in chief was accorded to Theophilus, for his excellent seamanship and patriotism.

 In the year 800 A.D. according to the chronographer St. Theophanes, who was the Abbot of the Monastery of Great Agros, Empress Irene had assigned Theophilus to monitor the movements of the Arab fleet which had become the evil demon of Cyprus. Theophilus had two other generals under his command who were to assist him, and they had given their word that they would remain loyal to him. They said they were prepared to die for him. How often do people make promises and how often do they keep them?

 When the Byzantine armada, with Theophilus at the head, arrived in Myra of Lycia, all the generals bypassed the Cape of Swallows and sailed toward the Gulf of Attaleia. Meanwhile the Arabs took advantage of the good weather and sailed from Cyprus as they crossed the sound that separates Cyprus from Asia Minor. When the Byzantine sentinels spotted them as they were sailing undisturbed, they seized the opportunity and maneuvered in formation so as to engage them in battle. The commander of the Cibyrraeotes Theophilus being a stalwart and an excellent strategist sailed ahead of the other ships and confronted the enemy with all his might. This assault was very successful in the beginning. The Arabs were stunned as they were outmaneuvered and surprised and were ready to surrender. But when the generals of Theophilus saw his heroism with the Arabs in retreat, they envied his overwhelming success and abandoned him as they left the scene of battle.

 Theophilus continued to struggle alone with his men who were on his ship. However, the ships of the Saracens were more numerous and he was surrounded by them, and at the end was taken prisoner.

 A terrible vice is jealousy! "Envy supersedes the interests of him who bears it," says St. Basil. The valiant Theophilus was captured and his hands were tied behind his back and he was taken to the leader of the Saracens, the infamous Caliph of Baghdad, Aroun Al Rashid. The evil Caliph was amazed at the appearance of the athletic Theophilus and was captured by his personality. Immediately, he reckoned that if he were able to convince the invincible champion to follow him he would achieve a double victory. With feigned courtesy he began to make offers to Theophilus and promised him many rewards. To all these offers the faithful Christian answered with a resounding no.

 To the demands that he abandon Christianity and accept Mohammedanism, he did not only refuse to do so but spat in the faces of Rashid's men saying: "The religion of the Christians is the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and by which every Christian does not only achieve happiness but also eternal salvation." At the insistence of Aroun Al Rashid that Mohammedanism is the religion of God revealed to the world through his prophet Mohammed, Theophilus did not hesitate to mock the perverse faith and to berate those who held him and taunted him.

 For his rejection, the confessor paid with a barrage of jeers and abuses and a confinement period of four years in a gloomy and verminous jail. During that long period, in spite of the continuous torments of his captors, the unbending confessor remained solid and intrepid. In his sight he had the very words of our lord: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him that is able to destroy both body and soul in Hell" (Mathew 10 :28). Also the words of the great Apostle: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). That is, do not fear those that kill the body for they cannot kill the soul. With these words as a guide and his deep faith he passed the days in jail, bearing in mind the infinite love of Christ who said: "My son I shall not abandon you ever, nor shall I forsake you. Only stand by me in faith and faithful till death." Thus Theophilus goes through his days in the bleak dungeon of the barbarous Saracens.

 A martyr's life of four years Theophilus passed in jail as the unwavering Christian that he was. One day when the barbarians had their Bairam they brought Theophilus to their celebration and began to coax him one by one to deny the Faith and espouse their own and celebrate with them. To all these notions the Martyr gave one answer: "I was born a Christian, I was raised a Christian and I shall die a Christian."

 To his reply he sustained numerous kicks and blows by the unruly assembly. At one point one of the leaders of the Arabs began to scorn and blaspheme the name of Christ. Theophilus responded with the same words against their religion and beliefs. His daring response resulted in his demise for they led him to the middle of the celebrating crowd and there he received his death by the sword; thus ended the life of the indomitable Christian. And this was recorded by St. Theophanes: "A punishment by the sword suffered he, and was proven to be an excellent martyr."

 The relic of the confessor and Newmartyr Theophilus was taken up by the Christians who dwelt there and they conducted a solemn funeral and buried it. The memory of the unrelenting Christian is honored in the Eastern Church on the 30th of January and in the Western Church on July 22nd. For the love of our mother, the Byzantine Empire towards Cyprus, Theophilus marched off to war "for reasons known only to God." The sea-battle had the worst results, but with one denial of the Faith, Theophilus could have saved his life. However, the great struggler preferred to fulfill the words of the divine teacher that were recorded by the author of the Apocalypse: "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the laurel of life" (Apocalypse 2:10). And he remained faithful unto death. Saint Theophilus intercede for us.

Saint Demetrianos Whom We Commemorate on January 27

 

 Most all the Saints of our Church walked the narrow road. The Saints of Cyprus also trod the narrow road. Saint Demetrianos the Bishop of Tamasos, that populous city, also walked that road. The following lines are dedicated to him.

 From the scant evidence that we have about him we learn that he was born in Tamasos and lived in it during the early years of Christendom. At that dismal time idolatry and idol-mania proclaimed the star of Aphrodite loudly and publicized her cult throughout the limits of the island. The Sermon of Christ, which was brought to Cyprus by the Apostles, Barnabas, Paul and Mark, began to spread gradually throughout its domain.

 In Tamasos the headquarters was set up in a cave that survives to our times; and it was used as a residence, a Church and a diocese. The pioneering fathers were Heracleides, Myron, Mnason, and their other coworkers trying to kindle the light of Christ and to shine it everywhere. In that cave the first Christians not only attended the sermon about Christ, but were also baptized and prayed and conducted their services. And in that cave may still be seen the tomb of Saint Heracleides.

 One day when the elderly Bishop was ailing with a fever in the cave, a gang of outraged idolaters came in and dragged out the sixty year old man and killed him. Meanwhile he prayed for his executioners. His students took up the sacred relic with heavy hearts and buried it in the cave. The miracles that he worked while he was still alive continue to this day.

 The religion of Jesus Christ was introduced to many places. thanks to the efforts of Heracleides and the zeal that he exhibited. After his death, the responsibility of his ministry fell into the hands of Mnason. Heracleides had ordained him bishop when he was still alive. Mnason continued the work of Heracleides until his last days. He worked many miracles while he was still alive, and many more when he reposed. Before he died, he ordained Rodon as Bishop of Tamasos.

 The sermon of Christ spread rapidly in the city of Tamasos thanks to the fiery zeal of the first Christians there. Many saints grew up there, one of them being Saint Demetrianos. We do not know the date of his birth. Time, the all consumer, has erased that knowledge from our memory. One fact that we may surmise from his life is that he knew Christ from his childhood. According to his hymnographer, "As a child you became a student of the Lord." He came to know Christ and loved him. One thing that he saw at all times was the Lord's will. He lived according to it by his example.

 One time when the spiritual father of the community fell ill, that is the priest, the local bishop called him to the diocese and at the request of the Christians ordained him a priest. Demetrianos was declared the right hand of this bishop. The good citizens celebrated this event. For Demetrianos labored with a fervent zeal for the spiritual well-being of the people. In his person they saw their spiritual father and guide. The orphans found their protector, the sick their brother, and those in sorrow their comfort. After a while the bishop himself reposed, and the entire population intervened again and they elevated the most worthy man, Demetrianos, to the episcopal throne.

 In this new position he becomes conspicuous to all. The hymnographer describes him in the words: "the scion of Tamasos, and pride of Perata, the source of miracles, and dispenser of cures, the refuge and adoration of Cyprus." But the folk tradition and respect of the people for him remains to this day. This is evidenced in the great Church that the residents of Perata built for him in a picturesque setting and whose impressive remains may be seen even today.

 His spiritual life contributed a great deal to the dissemination of Christianity; not only in the city of Tamasos, but in the surrounding area. He became an example of patience and virtue and advanced the spiritual life of his people and their overall well-being. It is said that he performed many miracles while he was still alive, but also when he was laid to rest. The women of Perata consider him a great miracle worker and they visit the ruins of his Church. They light candles in the recesses of the ruins and seek his mediation for their problems and needs. One of the miracles that happened not too long ago is the following:

 A certain Christian from Pera was building a house. So he went to the ruins of Saint Demetriano's Church and took rocks that were hewn from the lintel of the entrance so that he could build the lintel of his house. He had in mind to go the following day and take the rest of the stones that made up the Church's doorposts in order to use them for his own house, At night, however, the Saint appeared to him and rebuked him sternly. He did not heed the Saint's warning however, and went back the next night and carried the rest of the stones to his house. At night the Saint appeared to him again and censured him for the second time for his disobedience. And so that he would not repeat his action, he slapped him twice in the face; once on the right side and once on the left. The outcome of that was that he became deaf from that night on to the rest of his life. And he never went back to take the remaining stones. For this, the stones with which the doorposts of his house were made are dissimilar as they stand out to this very day.

 Narrow is the gate: and the way that leads to a good life is replete with many obstacles. That truth which Christ summons us to follow is before us, and we must imitate the Fathers of our Church and make it a way of living and a reality. Our island was a land of sin. Corruption and license pushed the unfortunate residents as a flooding river to their own destruction. When the religion of Jesus with its blessed bearers Paul, Barnabas and Mark arrived and was taught on our majestic island, things changed immediately. How did the first Christians start out from one cavern? What difficulties, what persecutions and perils they experienced! With the courage that Christ instills into our hearts they went forth. The result is attested and reported by history. In a few years the island of Aphrodite becomes the island of Panagia and the Saints. The contribution to this by saints Lazarus, Haracleides, Myron and Mnason and Demetrianos, as well as the other laborers of virtue is incalculable. Difficult were the times and the hazards many. But they did not waver. They took the narrow road and wrote the most beautiful history. Let us imitate them. In this way only shall we achieve happiness in this life, and be made worthy to see our beloved Cyprus in the light of Christ, liberated and happy and honored by all. Saint Demetrianos pray for us.