Χρυσοκουρδαλιώτισσα
CHRYSOKOURDALIOTISSA'S MONASTERY
Icons and frescos

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Virgin Mary, 16th century

This monastery stands in the village of Kourdali. It is the oldest monument of the community of Spilia-Kourdali. It was built in the 16th century by the deacon Ioannis Kourdalis. It was the temple of a monastery.. The temple is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary and for this reason it is celebrated on15th of August.


It is a three sloped church with wooden dies and joists that hold a wooden roof that is covered with traditional level tiles. It belongs to the characteristic type of ancient temples of the region of Troodos. The joists have, at the side that faces the walls, decorative components and in the side central declinable part, "stitharia" of saints. In 1921 the dies were removed and stone arcs were built thus changing the temple into a single sloped. The roof was supported by the stone arcs. Because of the weight that was shifted to the walls, the walls began to incline outwards and the church was in danger to collapse. In 1968 the Department of Antiquities restored the temple as it was initially built


They have been rescued and are found in very good situation many hagiographies made in the 16th century. There are hagiographies of the Byzantine rhythm with little influence from the western technique (italobyzantine rhythm).

 

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The west wall, full of frescos, 16th century


Next to the western entrance is found a mural that shows the history of the building of the temple. It shows the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Under this mural the owner of the temple Ioannis Kourdalis offers the temple to Virgin Mary.


In the northern side there is a big mural of Agios Georgios on his horse that kills the dragon thus saving the small princess. Smaller pictures around it show the history of the martyrdom of Agios Georgios.


The holy altar is full of hagiographies. At its higher point it is shown the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. Below it there is a marvelous mural of "Platytera".

 

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The iconostasis, one of the five eldest in Cyprus

 

 

 

 

 

The monastery of
PANAGIA CHRYSOKOURDALIOTISSA


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This monastery is located at Kourdali. It was established in the 16th century and has been declared as an ancient monument.  Nowadays the only building still standing is its church, which is the largest and most picturesque one of the ancient churches of the Solea region. In 2006, the Holy Synod decided to re-establish this Monastery. Since the middle of 2005, the first nun has already settled at Kourdali.

A committee has been working for the re-establishment of the monastery, having members from both Solea and Pitsilia. The existing buildings of the old school and coffe shop, have already been converted into a hospice and cell for the nun. A new large kitchen and a second cell have built. In a remarkable way, the settling of sister Isidora in them coincided with the holiday of Agios Isidoros on the 4th of February 2007. The expansion of the monastery is planned so that it will be able to accept more sisters.

This monastery is the only living monastery in the regions of Solea and Pitsilia. A monastery ritual is already followed during the mass that take place both here as well as at the neighbouring-brothering village Spilia, something that attracts many loyal Christians. On the 15th of August, the Monastery’s celebrating day, a lot of people visit the Monastery.

The monastery is located at a remarkable natural environment. A small river with a Venetian bridge, walnut trees, olive tress and a thick cluster of pine trees constitute a dream-like scenery.

Many resort to the grace of Virgin Mary for their problems or they choose it for their children’s christenings. Sister Isidora is always willing to help the loyal Christians. Telephone 22922212 or 99770592.

 

Andreas Chrysanthou


 
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