KOT-DIADROMES-1-67[eng] - Cyprus Tourism Organisation

RELIGIOUS HANDICRafts
I
n the monasteries of Cyprus today one can find
embroidery and religious handicrafts, admirable products of
patience, devotion, prayer, love and art, all “to the glory of God”.
Artistic riches composed of icons and religious paintings combine with a
great reverence for Nature and creation, with the production of a series of
ecological treasures – “for the best things are still made by hand…”.
Pure virgin honey, oil, wine, plants from the heart of the Cyprus
mountains and fruit of the blessed soil of Cyprus – preserved fruit
and the famous monastic almond sweet. Clay incense burners,
candles made from beeswax and large tapers decorated with
blossoms and birds from the monk’s paintbrush, as well as crosses,
rosaries woven with pain and love for mankind. Solace and
therapy for the latter can be found through books and publications
on the lives of the Saints and spiritual Christian existence.
Fig. 44. Large painted taper. Sacristy
of the Holy Monastery of Machairas.
made by hand...
But above all, the devout visitor to the monasteries of the island
will encounter the sweet smile and gift of the soul from the
blossoming gardens of the hearts of the monks
themselves.
At present wineries are in operation in two monasteries of
Cyprus. The Holy Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa has had a winery within its walls
ever since the old days, and there are reports of it dating from 1751; while in 1984 one
of the first local wineries of Cyprus was founded, producing wine of a unique quality.
Also, the Holy Monastery of Kykkos, known for its production of zivania, has a longstanding
tradition in vine-growing. In 1995 the production of wine began in local
wineries, while in the immediate plans of the monastery is included the reestablishment
of the vineyards in Pafos District.
Fig. 45. Stamp or mould. Fig. 46. Incense burner. Fig. 47. Censer.
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Fig. 48. Winery of
Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery.