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Nowhere in the Troodos mountains offers the attraction that Omodos can and does.
It is an ancient village built around the ‘Timous Stavros Monastery’ – Monastery of the Holy Cross.
Way back in the mists of time, the people of the ancient village of Koupetra (now gone) could see what seemed like a small fire burning at night on the opposite side of the valley. At the site of the light they found a small cave containing just a small wooden cross. Nothing else, just the cross. They realised the significance of this phenomena and created a chapel over the cave and the cross.
There is no specific date to this event but it was long, long before the 4th century AD. This much is known because records exist showing that the village of Omodos had been created around the Monastery that had grown from the simple chapel and it had became a place of great ecclesiastical importance in Cyprus attracting pilgrims from all over the world. It was so important that when Saint Helen came to Cyprus in 327A.D. she visited the Monastery and presented it with one of the most valuable artefacts of the Christian world - a section of the blood-stained rope that bound Jesus to the Cross.
Over the centuries that followed, many other items of incredible ecclesiastical value (not to mention financial value!) have found there way to the monastery for safe-keeping. – The skull of Apostle Phillip – The remains of no less than 26saints – precious jewels – holy vessels and at least 3 wonderful and ancient holy crosses.
The ancient church bell dates back to 1812 and was the first Christian Church bell to ring in Cyprus. An event of some significance in (the then) Turkish ruled Cyprus.
In fact then – as it is also now – Omodos was the most visited village in the mountains. So much so, all roads to other villages started in Omodos. This is probably how the village gained its name; Out of the adverb ‘omou’ (with) and the word ‘odos’ (street) – we have Omodos.
Directions how to get Stou Kir Yianni
As soon as you enter Omodos village you have to park your car at the parking place. Walk to the church. Seeing the church in front of you, walk to the left. Afterwards go immediately right and then again left. Walk for 1-2 minutes and you will find “Stou Kir Yianni Tavern” at your left.
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