The Church of Panagia Chryseleousa

The main church of the village is dedicated to Virgin Mary(Chryseleousa).  The church is at the centre of the village and is indicated to have been built at the beginning of the 19th century.

According to an inscription, it is said that the church was built in 1835.  /According to an inscription it is said that it is possible the church to have been built in 1835.  However, the chairman of the church committee testified that the date is a reference to the inauguration of the church and not to the date that the construction took place./ However the president of the church committee argues that the date on the inscription coincides with the date of the inauguration of the church and not with its construction.

It is a stone built church made from stone of the region. Architectural it is classified in the churches of gothic rhythm. The church t was built in two phases.  In the first phase it was constructed up to the place set atart for women (ladies’apartments) and in the second phase it was extended up to the southerners./ (Panagia Chryseleousa is a gothic church and was made, with local stone. Architecturally, it belongs to the Gothic lilt. The church was constructed in two phases)

Astonishment/ Awe is caused by the interior of the church where a priceless gold coated templum/ temple is raised.  It is notable to examine the ancient images represented on the templum/temple  which’s technique is unique. / Even more noticeable are the ancient images placed on the templum, which are unique due to the technique used when they were made.

Important place in the interior of the church possesses the miraculous image of Holy Mary/ Virgin Mary, which is placed in a special shrine/iconostasis. The particular image was made in the beginning of the 19th century, more specifically in 1819.

The curved images that garnish the church are another impressive feature that we can admire/ The curved images that adorn the church is a particularly impressive feature. In particular at the top of the church/ at the crown of the church, there is the bust of a bishop. In addition to that the president of the Church committee says that “the sculpture of an ancient Ionian on a column” is saved.

Recently, the exterior of the church underwent some changes/ improvements, whilst further efforts of maintenance both in the internal and external part of the church are due to start in the near future. It is noticeable that the church is classified by the Department of Antiquities as a ‘B’ Type Monument.

Due to the fact that/Because the community does not have its own priests and chanters/ psalmists, it is the ecclesiastical committee which has to arrange for a priest and two chanters to arrive every Sunday from Limassol.  The church celebrates every year on the 21st of November, day that the Orthodoxy honours Holy Mary (Eisodia tis Theotokou)1./(The community does not have its own priests and chanters/ psalmists and it is the ecclesiastical committee which has to arrange…).

St.  Luke’s Holy Water

The Holy Water flows from a rock at the right side of Yermasogia’s river. The access to the Holy Water is easy/ The Holy Water is easily accessible for public. According to testimonies from the villagers, in the region where the Holy Water is, existed a small church which was dedicated to Saint Luke. Also/ In addition to this the people visiting the place were hanging clothes as a homage to the Saint.

Source: Chairman/ President of the Church Committee, Mr. Matthew.