| STAVROVOUNI MONASTERY | |
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9 km off the Nicosia-Limassol road, 40 km from Larnaka. Perched on a rocky peak, 750 meters above sea level, Stavrovouni means the Mountain of the Cross, and according to tradition was founded by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross to the monastery. |
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The
brotherhood is extremely devout, keeping vows as strict as those of the
Mount Athos,brotherhood in Greece. Women are not allowed in the
monastery. Men may visit the monastery daily, from sunset, except from
12.00-13.00 (15.00 hrs in summer). Visits are not allowed on Green Monday
and the following day.
There is an impressive ceremony and celebration on 14 September, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Monastery of Ayia Varvara (Saint Barbara) at the foot of Stavrovouni hill, is easily accessible. The monks here, as in Stavrovouni have a high reputation for icon painting.
There is an impressive ceremony and celebration on 14 September, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Monastery of Ayia Varvara (Saint Barbara) at the foot of Stavrovouni hill, is easily accessible. The monks here, as in Stavrovouni have a high reputation for icon painting.
