Travelers from all over the world believe that the island of Cyprus is one of the best places on Earth for a beach holiday. Beautiful nature, gentle sea, bright sunshine, well-equipped beaches - what could be better for lovers of such a pastime?
Nevertheless, for many tourists such a vacation very soon becomes tiring, and they are interested in what can be seen in Cyprus. First of all, we recommend you to visit the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca - a unique attraction of the island, perfectly preserved to this day from the Byzantine era.
Cypriots consider this magnificent structure one of the most beautiful on the island. In ancient times, Christians who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land must visit the Church of St. Lazarus. It should be noted that the temple is conveniently located in the very center of Larnaca, so you can easily get here on your own, even if you stay in another city. In recent years, Cyprus has been actively developing bus services, and you can also use the services of a taxi, which can be called from any hotel.
St. Lazarus Church in Larnaca, Cyprus: History
The construction of the famous temple began in 890. The work was carried out on the site of the church existing at that time, where a friend of Jesus Christ himself, Lazarus, was buried. For the construction of the temple, funds were allocated to the city of Kition (which was exactly what Larnaca was called in those days) Emperor Leo VI the Wise.
Initially, during the Venetian occupation of the island, the temple was called the Benedictine monastery. He was part of the Catholic Church of the Roman Empire. After the capture of Cyprus by the Turks, the church was bought (1589) by the Orthodox Church. The Turks were satisfied with the presence of Orthodoxy in this land, since they tried in every possible way to reduce the influence of Catholicism in this region. At the same time, Catholics received permission to conduct services in the temple twice a year (in a small chapel). It adjoined the altar from the north and remained until 1794.
Features of the temple during the reign of the Ottomans
During the Ottoman Empire, the Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca) lost its bell ringing, and the belfries themselves were banned. The bells in the temple were on wooden structures, but since Turkish influence in Larnaca was not as severe as in other cities of Cyprus, they did not begin to remove them.
At the request of Russia in 1856, this ban was lifted. A few years later, a stone bell tower was built, which subsequently was repeatedly destroyed and restored.
Saint Lazarus
All ancient Christian temples keep many legends and traditions. The Church of St. Lazarus (Cyprus) is no exception. Saint Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus Christ. On the fourth day after death, he was resurrected by Jesus. Therefore, Lazarus is often called the Four-Day.
Upon learning of the great miracle, the Jews decided to kill Lazarus, and he was forced to flee Jerusalem. Together with a group of other disciples of Jesus, he went to Cyprus. Arriving on the island of Lazarus, he was proclaimed holy apostle to the bishops of the city of Kition, where he lived for 30 years.
After his death, Lazarus was buried in a marble tomb. Five hundred years later, Emperor Leo IV ordered the construction of a stone church on the site of the burial of the saint. St. Lazarus is the patron saint of the city of Larnaca, and the temple, built in his honor, has long been the educational, cultural, religious and social center of the city. For 250 years, the Church of St. Lazarus opened hospitals and schools, monitored the order in cemeteries. She supported those in need, paid for the training of students, defended the interests of citizens. According to historians, such an active public position was not at all characteristic of most of the churches of Cyprus at that time.
Cypriots are very proud that Saint Lazarus lived on their land. From ancient times they composed legends about him. One of them tells about how Lake Aliki (Salty) appeared. Once upon a time there was a beautiful vineyard that belonged to an elderly woman. When Lazarus passing by, exhausted by thirst and tired, asked her for a small bunch of grapes, the stingy old woman refused him. Saint Lazarus asked, pointing to a full basket of fragrant berries: "What is this?" and in response he heard: "Salt." Grieved by a blatant lie, Lazarus said: "From now on, let everything here turn into salt." Since then, Lake Aliki has appeared here.
Church of St. Lazarus (Republic of Cyprus): description
The island's most famous and most visited temple is distinguished by its magnificent Byzantine architecture. Outwardly, it looks rather austere and even slightly resembles a medieval fortress. Made of stone. The length of the structure is more than thirty meters.
The Church of St. Lazarus (Republic of Cyprus) consisted of three naves and three domes. It belongs to a rare architectural type and is significantly different from most multi-domed churches. The arcade appeared here during the restoration work much later.
Near the north entrance to the temple is the Jerusalem Cross - an ancient emblem of the Latins. In the western part of the building is the Museum of St. Lazarus, which contains unique religious objects - icons and old books, church dishes and clothes. Near the museum there is a church shop, which sells icons depicting Lazarus, books, copies of Byzantine letters and much more. Archaeologists have been able to establish that in ancient times, even the outer walls of the temple were decorated with numerous frescoes, which, unfortunately, have not survived to the present day.
Interior decoration
The interior design of the temple fascinates with its mystery - twilight, a lot of gilding and silver. The Church of St. Lazarus is famous for its unique treasure - the iconostasis made of carved wood. It was made by the talented carver Haji Taliadoros. This subtlest work was completed in nine years. The iconostasis was covered with gold; one hundred twenty icons decorated it. Each of them is a unique work of art.
Under the iconostasis is a small church carved into the rock - steps to the right lead to it. Near the central altar is a chapel in which the Latin altar has been preserved.
The relics of St. Lazarus
Believers who want to bow to St. Lazarus descend into a room located under the altar. Here is cancer with its relics. In front of the entrance (at the eastern wall) the holy spring beats.
The relics of Lazarus were first discovered in 890 in a small church located here. Learning of the find, Leo VI ordered the Holy Relics to be transported to Constantinople. In 1972, in a sarcophagus located under the altar of the church, scientists discovered part of the remains of the saint. This indicates that the inhabitants of Kition did not give up all the relics.
The sarcophagus today is in the same place. An inscription is written on one of its sides, which translates as “friend”. It was made in place of the first sarcophagus, which was delivered to Constantinople with part of the relics of St. Lazarus. From Kition, the relics were sent to Chrysopolis, then to the Cathedral of St. Sophia.
Later, Emperor Leo VI built another church, consecrated in honor of St. Lazarus (in Constantinople). The brought part of the relics was there until they were captured by the crusaders who conquered the city. They transported the remains to Marseille. Their further fate is not yet known.
Rules for visiting the temple
If you want to visit the Church of St. Lazarus, you should know about the rules that must be strictly observed.
- Women should be dressed strictly. Entrance to the temple is forbidden in shorts, miniskirts, in open and too tight-fitting clothes.
- During the service, men and women sit separately. Men occupy the right side of the temple, women occupy the left.
- In the temple it is forbidden to talk, photograph and film the service, to interfere with believers.
Wedding
One very beautiful custom has glorified the Church of St. Lazarus to the whole world. It's about a wedding. Travel agencies from different countries offer couples in love to consecrate their union in this ancient Christian shrine. Newlyweds from all over the world come here to receive divine support and swear eternal love.
Educational activities
Today, the temple continues to operate a cultural and educational center, which began its activities in 1875. Then it was a parish school, and today the Church of St. Lazarus makes an invaluable contribution to the education and upbringing of children.
Today the center is located in a restored building, where about one hundred and fifty people can be simultaneously. Conferences, fascinating lectures, film screenings, concerts of organ and classical music, small theater performances are held here.
Opening hours
Probably many tourists are interested in when you can visit the Church of St. Lazarus. The opening hours of the temple vary depending on the season. In summer, you can see the temple on weekdays from 8:30 to 13:00, and then from 16:00 to 18:30. On Saturday, the temple is open from 8:30 to 13:00. In winter time (September-March) - from 8:00 to 17:00
The Orthodox Church around the world honors the memory of St. Lazarus a week before the Easter celebrations. This day is especially loved and celebrated in Larnaca.
Tourists reviews
Many guests who visited Cyprus did not plan on sightseeing the island. However, stepping on this blessed land, they learned about an extraordinary Christian attraction.
Impressions from visiting the temple exceed the most daring expectations. Everything admires here. The architecture of the structure, its interior, the oldest iconostasis, which in itself is an invaluable monument of history and culture, unique icons - all this is the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca. Opening hours are very convenient to visit. Travelers note that the church reigns in a special atmosphere of mystery and at the same time goodwill towards everyone who attended the church.