From both an historical and a religious perspective, Cyprus is the island of beauty. According to Greek mythology, it was here that Aphrodite was born, while the island was chosen to be the first place to receive the great message of the new faith upon the advent of Christianity
Serbian travellers have a special sentiment when it comes to Cyprus, as it is an ethereal and blessed land, with an impressive number of religious monuments, including beautiful Greek Orthodox monasteries that tell the story of the island’s path to Christianity. The Orthodox connection between Serbia and Cyprus is strong, with common religious and historical roots linking, for example, Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos (Agio Oros) with Saint Sava or Serbia. Indeed, the connection of spiritual cultural heritage between Hilandar Monastery and Vatopedi Monastery is ever-present. With this in mind, it is no coincidence, from both an historical and a religious perspective, that Cyprus is the island of beauty. According to Greek mythology, it was here that Aphrodite was born, while the island was chosen to be the first place to receive the great message of the new faith upon the advent of Christianity.
The island became the gateway through which the message of the Gospels spread the length and breadth of the Ecumene. The first mission of the apostles Paul and Barnabas (the latter of Cypriot descent) occurred here, in accordance with the will and wish of God: “…being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 12, 4)
The island became the gateway through which the message of the Gospels spread the length and breadth of the Ecumene. The first mission of the apostles Paul and Barnabas (the latter of Cypriot descent) occurred here, in accordance with the will and wish of God: “…being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 12, 4).
This divine ‘choice’ – simultaneously a decoration and an endowment for the country – is expressed through the many monuments dedicated to prayer and devotion, but also through the plethora of holy men connected with this saintly island, thus endowing it with the expression ‘Cyprus the island of saints’. Discover the churches, chapels and monasteries of the island that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and immerse yourself in their journey of faith, history and culture.