About the church of Saint Lazia we learned from the tourist booklets. While we were resting in Protaras in Cyprus, we constantly found in our hands all sorts of numerous books, maps and advertising leaflets telling about some of the sights of Cyprus.
Saint Lazarus is a biblical character, the same person whom Jesus Christ once resurrected with the words: "Lazarus, get up and go!". Later, this Saint will become one of the most devoted followers of the Savior's teachings.
Honestly, it seemed a little expensive excursion from the tour operator to the neighboring city, so on one of the warm days, having found out in advance about the bus route, we made our way forward to meet the upcoming adventures.
The day was not very sunny, there was a thunderstorm. The desire not to fall under the drizzling rain gave speed to our steps. We found the church not far from the bus stop. There was a straight and long street. Local residents in broken English willingly told us landmarks.
And here is the ancient building. I take a few pictures outside and rather go under the roof canopy. Like everywhere in all churches, the entrance is free. And inside - a real historical museum. No one prohibits the shooting of interiors, therefore, optimally adjusting the shutter speed, I photograph in detail every corner.
Inside, it's very beautiful. It can be seen that the church is very old. If they did not tell us how old she is, I would have guessed anyway, because the place is imbued with the spirit of biblical history. Ancient icons look at you with love and warmth. Silver and gold-plated lamps, as if yesterday, were held in the hands of those priests who were direct witnesses of the events of the Christian past.
A small reference: This stone temple was built in about 900 by the Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise in exchange for part of the relics of the saint who were transferred to Constantinople. The very form of the church is rather unusual for Cyprus - this is a rectangular building, in the vault of which three domes were built in succession.
In the period from 12 to 16 centuries. the temple belonged to Catholics, as evidenced by the emblem of the Catholic Church of Cyprus above the entrance.
A unique carved iconostasis was created in the 18th century. a wood carver and is subsequently covered with gold two times. A violent fire in 1970 partially damaged it, but became the impetus for a serious restoration of the church.
As elsewhere in the churches in Cyprus, inside the rows there are seats for the parishioners. Here is a good atmosphere, few visitors view icons and carved salaries. We lingered inside, even descended into the crypt, where the crypt with the tombs is located. But the relics of the saint are not here. Now they are in the main part of the church in the gilded reliquary, and everyone can join them.
The most interesting thing, a heavy rain did not go, while we were in church. He found us later, when we walked around the city. There are many ancient buildings here, there is something to photograph. All the cities of Cyprus bear the stamp of history. And I will definitely tell about our other adventures next time.
