Six convents to visit as Easter approaches
Easter season is here, and many people will want to head out and visit some of the island’s churches and monasteries, which have all be decorated to welcome the holiday.
The following six convents have surely prepared for Easter, but also have their own respective histories, which guests can discover during their visits.
Ayios Irakleidios Convent – Politiko, Nicosia
This convent is located a few kilometres from Nicosia, and is built among olive groves in the village of Politiko, where the ancient city of Tamassos was located. The convent with its nuns began to run in 1963.
The monastery is known for the housing the tomb of Saint Irakleidios and for their church services and chanting done by the nuns.
During a visit, don’t forget to try and buy some of the almond sweet the nuns make, or some the cookies also made there.
The saint’s feast day is on September 17.
For more information call +357 22 623950.
Ayia Thekla Convent – Mosfiloti, Larnaca
The convent is located just 500m outside the village of Mosfiloti, and it is built in a small valley, providing the necessary calm and quiet for peaceful reflection. According to William Turner, who wrote about the convent in 1815, it was built by Saint Helen during her visit to the island at the start of the 4th century AD. The convent was built in conjunction with the male monastery of Stavrovouni.
It is known for the holy water and therapeutic clay that is made with the water. Take a small bottle with you during your visit and take some of the water, which is believed to have healing properties.
If you love trachanas, the nuns make it at the monastery, and you can buy some and take it home.
The saint’s feast day is on September 24, and a large celebration is held at the convent.
For more information call +357 22 532533.
Panayia Amirou Convent – Apsiou, Limassol
This convent is located approximately one kilometre from the village of Apsiou, and is dedicated to the life-giving spring. A new church was recently build in the area dedicated to Saint Catherine. The convent is also known for the iconography done by one of their nuns.
It is also known for the delicious bread baked by the nuns, and the spoon sweets, jams, and citrus drink made there.
During your visit stop by the church of Ayia Marina a short distance away, known for housing a relic of the saint.
The convent’s celebrates its feast day on the Friday after Easter.
For more information call +357 25 542035.
Ayios Minas Convent – Vavla, Larnaca
The convent is built in a forested area just outside of the village, near the banks of the Maronis River.
It is known for the icon of the saint and the frescoes dating back to 1757.
During your visit, make sure to buy some of the honey produced there, as well as, the spoon sweets, and herbs, grapes, and figs grown there.
The saint’s feast day is celebrated on November 11.
For more information call +357 24 342952.
Panayia Amasgous Convent – Monagri, Limassol
The convent was recently renovated, and is built on a small hill that overlooks the Kouris River, just outside the town of Monagri. The name is not a well-known epithet of the Panayia, although some scholars believe it comes from the word Damascus, however no official explanation has been given.
The convent is known for the relics of Saint John Monagritis.
The convent celebrates the feast of the Virgin Mary on November 21.
For more information call +357 25 434342.
Saint Nicholas of the Cats Convent – Akrotiri, Limassol
The convent has been running since 1983 in cape Gata of the Akrotiri peninsula. It is believed to be one of the oldest convents of the island. The small church in the monastery is said to be there from the 14th century. Tradition says the monastery was created by Saint Helen, during her visit, and that she left a piece of the cross, on which Jesus was crucified.
It is known for the many cats that live in the area, which are believed to be descended of those brought by Saint Helen to get rid of the snakes.
The convent celebrates the feast day of Saint Nicholas on December 6.
For more information call +357 25 952621.
