Ancient Foundations
The Monastery of Saint Herakleidios stands among olive groves in Politiko village, site of ancient Tamassos. Early Christians built the first church here in 400 AD over the saint’s tomb cave.
Cycles of Destruction & Renewal
5th century: Three-aisled basilica rises
In the early 400s AD, a grand three-aisled basilica rose over the tomb of Saint Herakleidios, marking Cyprus’ first major monastic complex.
Built in the Byzantine tradition, the church featured
Central nave with a vaulted ceiling
Two side aisles for pilgrims and processions
Sanctuary apse facing east, adorned with early Christian mosaics
Burial crypt directly above the saint’s original cave tomb
The basilica became a pilgrimage hub, drawing believers seeking miracles. Its architecture blended Roman grandeur with local craftsmanship—stone columns from Tamassos’ copper mines supported arched galleries, while frescoes depicted the saint’s life.
Though later destroyed, its foundations still lie beneath today’s monastery, a silent witness to Cyprus’ enduring faith.
8th Century: Arab Raids Devastate the Monastery
In the 700s AD, Arab invaders swept through Cyprus, looting and burning the Monastery of Saint Herakleidios. The once-thriving complex—its basilica, workshops, and pilgrim quarters—was reduced to rubble. Only the hidden burial cave, where the saint’s relics rested, escaped destruction.
Monks fled to the Troodos Mountains, carrying sacred texts and icons. For decades, the site lay abandoned, its mosaics buried under ash. Yet local Christians secretly kept the faith alive, leaving oil lamps and prayers at the ruined altar.
By the 10th century, Byzantine forces reclaimed Cyprus, paving the way for the monastery’s eventual rebirth—but the scars of the Arab raids lingered for generations.
1773: Archbishop Chrysanthos Revives the Sacred Site
Determined to restore Cyprus’ spiritual heritage, Archbishop Chrysanthos launched the monastery’s reconstruction in 1773. He personally oversaw:
Reinforcement of the crumbling cave-shrine, ensuring the saint’s relics remained protected.
Rebuilding the church with local limestone, incorporating salvaged Byzantine elements.
Commissioning vibrant frescoes depicting Saint Herakleidios’ miracles.
The archbishop also added:
A monastic residence for clergy
A pilgrims’ guesthouse
A fortified wine cellar (still used today)
Though Ottoman rule limited resources, Chrysanthos’ vision revived the monastery as a beacon of faith. His 1773 restoration laid the foundation for its modern revival.
Legacy: The rebuilt church stands today—a testament to resilience.
1963: A New Chapter as Cyprus’ First Women’s Monastery
On July 23, 1962, the Monastery of Saint Herakleidios reopened under a historic new vision—as Cyprus’ first women’s monastic community. By 1963, the sisterhood had:
Restored daily liturgies after 141 years of abandonment
Established a scriptorium for icon-writing and manuscript preservation
Revived the healing oil tradition using the saint’s original recipes.
The founding abbess, Mother Thekla, led 12 nuns in blending ancient traditions with modern outreach:
Hosting orphaned girls
Cultivating medicinal herbs
Preserving Byzantine chant
Their work transformed the ruins into a living sanctuary, attracting both pilgrims and scholars. Today, the sisterhood continues the saint’s legacy of faith and service.
Note: The original 1963 bell, cast from donated copper, still calls nuns to prayer.
The Saint’s Miraculous Journey
Born as the son of pagan priest Ieroklis near modern Mitsero, young Herakleidios encountered Apostles Paul and Barnabas in 45 AD. After guiding them to Mount Chionistra, he converted and received baptism in the Soli River.
Cyprus’ First Native Bishop
The apostles ordained Herakleidios as Bishop of Tamassos.
He converted his entire family
Performed miraculous healings
Established Christian communities islandwide
Died at 60 after pagan attacks (September 17)
The Living Tomb
Believers still visit the original cave-tomb where:
The saint’s relics work miracles
Pilgrims anoint themselves with holy oil
Documented healings include:
Spinal diseases
Infertility
Cancer remissions
Modern Sanctuary
Today’s 18th-century complex preserves:
The saint’s ceremonial carriage
Byzantine-era mosaics
Fragments of ancient basilicas
Continuous monastic life since 1962
Feast Day: September 17 sees thousands gathering for all-night vigils and healing prayers. The monastery’s beeswax candles and blessed oil remain sought-after blessings.
(Note: Archaeologists recently discovered 6th-century baptismal fonts beneath the courtyard, confirming the site’s uninterrupted sacred use.)
The Living Legacy: Saint Herakleidios Monastery Today
The sisterhood of Saint Herakleidios continues its sacred mission with 18 nuns maintaining Cyprus’ oldest female monastic tradition. Their daily rhythm blends prayer, craftsmanship, and hospitality:
Byzantine chant echoes during 4am liturgies
Hand-painted icons created in the workshop
Healing oil still distilled from monastery-grown herbs
The nuns welcome pilgrims to:
Venerate the saint’s relics in the ancient cave
Attend all-night vigils on September 17
Seek spiritual guidance in the shaded courtyard
Modern additions include a digital archive of manuscripts and eco-friendly solar panels – proving this 5th-century foundation remains vibrantly relevant.
Did you know? The community’s famous rosewater loukoumi helps fund their charitable work.
Documented Miracles of Saint Herakleidios
The monastery’s archives record centuries of miraculous interventions, including:
Healings (2019): A paralyzed pilgrim walked after lying on the saint’s tomb for 40 days.
Infertility Cure (2007): A childless couple conceived after anointing with the saint’s oil.
Tumor Disappearance (1992): Medical scans confirmed a cancerous mass vanished post-pilgrimage.
Recent Accounts:
A fisherman survived a 2020 shipwreck after invoking the saint.
A 2023 wildfire encircled but never touched the monastery.
Historical Records:
18th-century documents describe blindness cured at the relic chapel.
Ottoman-era petitions thank the saint for ending plagues.
Pilgrims still report scent of myrrh near the tomb and spontaneous healings during feast day services.
Architectural Renaissance: The 1773 Reconstruction
Archbishop Chrysanthos’ 18th-century revival blended Ottoman practicality with Byzantine sacred geometry:
Key Features:
Barrel-vaulted nave using rusticated limestone
Reused Roman columns flanking the altar
Hidden crypt beneath the sanctuary preserving 5th-century mosaics
Innovations:
Twin domed bell towers (later removed under Ottoman restrictions)
Carved wooden templon depicting the saint’s life
Cross-shaped windows filtering light onto the relics
The Conversion and Ordination of Saint Herakleidios
After guiding Apostles Paul and Barnabas, young Herakleidios embraced Christianity. Apostle Barnabas baptized him in the Soli River. The group then retreated to a riverside cave for spiritual instruction before proceeding to Tamassos, where the apostles ordained Herakleidios as bishop. The local population welcomed their new spiritual leader with joy.
Episcopal Ministry and Miracles
As Bishop of Tamassos, Herakleidios:
Traveled extensively throughout Cyprus
Ordained new bishops in multiple cities
Converted and baptized his entire family
Performed extraordinary miracles including:
Resurrecting the dead
Exorcising demons
Healing incurable diseases
Persecution and Death
Pagan opposition culminated in a violent attack on Tamassos’ Christian community. The distraught saint fell gravely ill after pronouncing judgment on the attackers. Three days later, on September 17, he died at age sixty. Devoted followers buried him in his cave residence.
Enduring Legacy of Healing
The saint’s tomb immediately became a sacred site where:
Pilgrims experience physical and spiritual healing
Those with bone disorders find particular relief
Devotees anoint themselves with blessed oil from the shrine
Modern miracles include:
Terminal illness reversals
Fertility restoration
Life-saving interventions
Feast Day: September 17 remains a major pilgrimage occasion, marked by all-night vigils and testimonies of miraculous healings.
Note: The original burial cave now forms the heart of the monastery complex, with thousands visiting annually.
