Agia Moni Monastery, Panagia - dating originally from the 6th century.
The Monastery of the Priests – Agia Moni – is located in Paphos Region between the village of Statos and the Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa. It is built in a beautiful situation, far from the bustle of everyday life.
Agia Moni is considered as one of the most ancient monasteries of Cyprus. It has been rebuilt recently and belongs to the Holy Monastery of Kykkos. It is thought the name – Monastery of the Priests – derives from the fact that many priests lived there in the past.
Agia Moni comprises buildings from various eras, the majority of the current structures dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The church, originally dating from the 6th century and therefore one of the oldest in Cyprus, has been the subject of some pretty unsympathetic restoration, making it very hard to determine any of its oldest features.
Agia Moni - in a beautiful situation high in the hills
According to tradition, Agia Moni was constructed in the 4th century by the Saints Eftychios and Nicolaos, who later became Bishop of Myroi in Lycia. Popular myth maintains that Eftychios supplied the stones, taking them from the pagan temple of the ancient Greek Goddess that was located in the same venue, while Nicolaos carved them.
Today the monastery is inhabited by one monk only – Father Epiphanios.
See more pictures of the village of Panagia and Agia Moni Monastery.
Dear author of the article,
Please note that your statement “Since 1997 Agia Moni has been occupied by very shy nuns who are especially uncomfortable in the presence of men.” is not true. The monastery is inhabited by one monk only – Father Epiphanios. No nuns there at all. Currently this is a men’s monastery.
May God bless you!
Antoaneta
Hi Antoaneta
I’ve updated the post to reflect your comment. Thanks for the new information, really appreciated.
Very best wishes
Mike
Hi Mike,
I should be the one to thank you for these nice pictures and the interesting information on Cyprus. Your website is really great!
All the best,
Antoaneta