BYZANTINE ICONS MUSEUM
The Museum of Byzantine Icons is housed in the Monastery’s Synodicon, which has a wooden sealing of amazing beauty and which was made with excellent craftsmanship, consisted of thousands of small pieces of wood (walnut-tree) that are harmonically fitted together.
The Museum of Byzantine Icons was established in October of 1960, aiming to preserve and protect the Monastery’s old icons.
Priceless Byzantine icons of ancient eras are kept and exhibited in it, as well as age-old, wooden, large, wood-cut, gilt lanterns, all coming from the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Omodos. All the icons have been maintained after contributions by the inhabitants and other friends of Omodos.
A special mention to some of the most note-worthy icons:
A large, semi-ruined icon, which dates back to 1528 AD. Princess Eleonora, depicted to the right and below wearing a red dress and a needlepoint head cover, dedicates the icon to the Saint
b) St. John the Baptist 100 x 37 cm.
Dating back to 1570 AD. In the icon he is depicted standing up and in full figure and there is a portrait of the donator in the lower right side.
c) St. John the Theologian 106 x 53 cm.
Dating back to the 15th — 16th century with a latter addition. The Saint holds a stylus in his right hand and a Gospel in the other.
d) St. Peter 80 x 63 cm.
From the first half of the 16th century. Apostle Peter in a bust, holding keys and a baldachin in his left hand and blessing with his right one.
e) St. Paul 63 x 50 cm.
On a bust and holding a closed book in his right hand, blessing with the right one.
f) Archangel Gabriel 80 x 65 cm.
From the 16th century. Standing on a bust and holding a baldachin in his right hand.
g) The Universal Raising of the Holy Cross 85 x 63 cm.
From 1664 AD. St Constantine and St. Helen at its center, holding the Holy Cross, a scene from its discovery. There is the story and scenes from the miracle of the Cross across its four sides.
h) St. Philip 101 x 54 cm.
Dating back to 1773 AD. A prominent characteristic in the icon is the portrait of the Metropolitan Bishop of Pafos, Panaretos, offering the holy skull of Apostle Philip to the Saint inside a golden case, painted in the lower left part of the icon.
i) St. John the Baptist 110 x 48 cm.
From 1830 AD. The Saint in full figure with wings, holding an open baldachin in his right hand and an icon depicting the Crucifixion in his left one.
j) Christ in an icon screen’s “thorakion” (closure panel)70 x 106 cm. Of the 18th century.
Editing of text: Panayiotis Socratous
Secretary of ecclesiastical committee
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