Christ Church Ayia Napa organised a journey off the beaten path on Friday (18 July), exploring lesser-known spiritual and historical sites in the eastern part of Cyprus.

The group, from Ayia Napa, Nicosia and Limassol, began in Dasaki Achnas, visiting the Monument to the Refugees also known as the Chapel of St Demetrianos. There, they reflected on the painful events of 1974 and the memory of those who were killed, displaced or went missing during the conflict.

The next stop was St George’s Monastery at Mavrovouni, where the group was warmly welcomed by Archimandrite Symeon, the abbot of the monastery. He shared the rich history of the monastic community, offered an engaging introduction to the Orthodox tradition of iconography and guided the visitors through the new church and its crypt.

The group then travelled to Oroklini and the 15th-century Church of St Elijah, perched on the top of Arodaphne Hill, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The day concluded with a meal at Chez Faina Fayrouz, a Lebanese restaurant offering warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

“The trip served as a reminder that the journey of faith often leads through unknown paths and overlooked places, where the sacred still speaks,” said the Reverend George Vidiakin, Christ Church Ayia Napa parish priest. “Cyprus is full of hidden gems—places of beauty, memory and meaning. We must learn how to find them. And once we find them, not to keep them to ourselves but share them with those around us.”