Church of St. Lazarus: history and photos

Travelers from around the world believe that the island of Cyprus - one of the best places on Earth for beach holidays. Magnificent nature, gentle sea, bright sun, beautifully equipped beaches - what could be better for fans of this pastime?

Nevertheless, for many tourists such a holiday very soon becomes tiresome, 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 landmark of the island, perfectly preserved to our days since the Byzantine era.

This magnificent construction of the Cypriots is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. In ancient times, Christians who made pilgrimages to the Holy Land, always visited the Church of St. Lazarus. It should be noted that the temple is conveniently located - in the heart of Larnaka, so you can easily get here yourself, even if you stay in another city. In recent years, a bus service has been actively developing in Cyprus, and a taxi service can be used from any hotel.

Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca in Cyprus: history

The construction of the famous church began in 890. The work was carried out on the site of the church that existed at that time, where the friend of Jesus Christ himself was buried - Lazarus. For the erection of the temple funds allocated to the city of Kition (that was the name of Larnaca at that time), the 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 temple was bought (1589) by the Orthodox Church. Turks were satisfied with the presence of Orthodoxy on this land, as they did their best to reduce the influence of Catholicism in this region. At the same time, Catholics received permission to conduct services twice a year in the church (in a small chapel). It adjoined the altar from the north and was preserved until 1794.

Features of the temple during the reign of the Osmanians

During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaka) lost the bell ringing, the belfries themselves were banned. The bells in the temple were on wooden structures, but since the Turkish influence in Larnaka was not as severe as in other cities of Cyprus, they were not removed.

At the request of Russia in 1856, this ban was lifted. A few years later, a stone bell tower was built, which was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times.

Saint Lazarus

All the ancient Christian churches store many legends and legends. The Church of St. Lazarus (Cyprus) is no exception. Saint Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus Christ. On the fourth day after his death, he was resurrected by Jesus. Therefore Lazarus is often called the Four-Ageed.

Upon learning of the great miracle, the Jews planned to kill Lazarus, and he was forced to flee from Jerusalem. Together with a group of other disciples of Jesus, he went to Cyprus. Arrived on the island of Lazar was proclaimed holy apostles 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, the 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, followed the order in the cemeteries. She also supported the needy, paid for the training of students, defended the interests of citizens. According to historians, such an active public position was not typical of most churches of Cyprus at that time.

The Cypriots are very proud of the fact that Saint Lazarus lived on their land. Since ancient times, they have made legends about it. One of them tells how the lake of Aliki (Salty) appeared. Once in its place was a beautiful vineyard, which belonged to an elderly woman. When passing by him Lazar, exhausted by thirst and tired, asked her for a small bunch of grapes, buying up the old woman refused him. Saint Lazarus asked, pointing to a full basket of fragrant berries: "What is this?" And in response he heard: "Salt". Frustrated by the blatant lies, Lazar 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 most famous and most visited temple of the island is distinguished by its magnificent Byzantine architecture. Outwardly it looks quite harsh and even reminiscent of a medieval fortress. It is made of stone. The length of the building 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 temples. The arcade appeared here during the restoration work much later.

Near the northern entrance to the temple is the Jerusalem Cross - an ancient emblem of the Latins. In the western part of the building there 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 selling icons with Lazarus, books, copies of Byzantine letters and much more. Archaeologists managed to establish that in ancient times even the outer walls of the church were decorated with numerous frescoes, which, unfortunately, did not survive to our days.

Interior decoration

The interior decoration 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 Hadji Taliadoros. This subtle work was accomplished in nine years. The iconostasis was covered with gold, it was decorated with one hundred and twenty icons. Each of them is a unique work of art.

Under the iconostasis is a small church carved into the rock - it is led to the right. Near the central altar is a chapel, in which the Latin altar is preserved.

Relics of St. Lazarus

Believers who want to bow to Saint Lazarus descend into a room under the altar. There is cancer with its relics. Before the entrance (at the eastern wall) the holy spring beats.

For the first time Lazar's relics were discovered in 890 in a small church located here. Having learned about the find, Leo VI ordered to transport the Holy Relics to Constantinople. In 1972, in a sarcophagus, located under the altar of the church, the scientists discovered some of the remains of the saint. This indicates that the inhabitants of Kition were not given all the power.

The sarcophagus is still in its place today. On one of its sides is inscribed an inscription, which translates as "friend." It was made in place of the first sarcophagus, which was brought to Constantinople with part of the relics of St. Lazarus. From Kition relics were sent to Chrysopolis, then to the Cathedral of St. Sofia.

Later, Emperor Leo VI built another temple, consecrated in honor of St. Lazarus (in Constantinople). The imported part of the relics was there until they were captured by the crusaders who conquered the city. They transported the remains to Marseilles. 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.

1. Women should be dressed strictly. It is forbidden to enter the temple in shorts, mini-skirts, in open and in over-tight clothes.
2. During the service, men and women sit separately. Men occupy the right side of the temple, women - left.
3. In the temple it is forbidden to talk, take pictures and shoot service, interfere with believers.

Wedding

One very beautiful custom glorified the Church of St. Lazarus to the whole world. It's about the wedding. Travel agencies from different countries offer couples in love to sanctify their union in this ancient Christian shrine. Newlyweds from around the world are coming here to receive divine support and to swear in eternal love.

Educational activities

Today, the cultural and educational center continues its work at the church, which began its activity in 1875. Then it was a parochial school, and today the Church of St. Lazarus makes an invaluable contribution to the education and upbringing of children.

Now the center is located in a renovated building, where about one hundred and fifty people can be at the same time. There are conferences, fascinating lectures, screenings of films, concerts of organ and classical music, small theatrical performances.

Opening Hours

Probably, many tourists are interested in when you can visit the Church of St. Lazarus. 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 the winter (September-March) - from 8:00 to 17:00

The Orthodox Church throughout the world honors the memory of St. Lazarus a week before the Easter celebrations. This day is especially loved and solemnly celebrated in Larnaka.

Reviews of tourists

Many guests who visited Cyprus did not plan to visit the island. However, having set foot on this blessed land, they learned about the unusual Christian sights.

Impressions of visiting the temple exceed the wildest expectations. Everyone admires here. The architecture of the building, 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 in the temple there is a special atmosphere of mystery and, at the same time, goodwill towards everyone who visited the church.