Abbot Athanasios

Monastery of the Holy Cross-Stavrovouni

Brother Kallinikos blesses the Island of Cyprus

 '...In that island is a very high mountain which is seen from the sea, and on the mountain a renowned monastery of Black Monks called of the Holy Cross, and a church. Between two rocks hangs the cross of the good thief, to whom our Lord said "To-day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise". It is held in great and devout veneration, and a vast multitude visit it. It is called the mountain of the Cross; it is fifteen miles from the sea, and a good day's journey from Famagusta. To this monastery of the Black Monks of the Holy Cross I went on my return from Nicosia. I arrived there with devotion and reverence, and saw and touched that blessed wood, which is held in reverence by all, and seafaring men in storms at sea invoke the blessed Cross of Cyprus.'

 Jacobus de Verona

Visit to Cyprus (1335)