It is known that the visual arts record over the centuries, civilization and culture of people.
The religious monuments of our holy relics and hagiographic art, is an essential component of historic and cultural heritage of our socio-political factor in development.
The creation of the Byzantine Museum of Arsinoe Chorepiskopos is the result of moral commitments and our responsibilities under the cultural and religious heritage.
Inspired from above, and the then Bishop of Paphos Chrysostomos II now Archbishop of Cyprus, together with the then Bishop of Arsinoe George, now Bishop of Paphos, worked towards the creation of the museum, aiming to contribute to the rescue, preservation and view of religious heritage.
The overall organization of the museum was completed in 2000 and was the result of collective work museologist, archaeologist, architect and art conservators.
The purpose of all this work was to create the kalaisthitikes and environmental parameters in order to highlight the various objects in the most ideal conditions.
Also, an attempt was made to correct, safe and operationally report them to better understand their visitors, the maximum visibility but also partly the continuity of cult status.
Inside the elegant surroundings of the Museum’s exhibition space, the sacred relics and works of art can communicate with visitors, covering the broad scope of human activity on the art, browsing, knowledge and culture.
At the same time, the museum touches and religious feelings of every visitor, as a whole old woodcut (18 ° 0 century), is set up with old images, creating and emitting atmosphere of the interior of a church. Beside the shrine is carved bishop’s throne, also of the 18th century.
The bulk of the exhibits of the Museum of Byzantine and post Byzantine icons, dating from 13 ° up and 19 ° century.
Between them stands the image of St. George on horseback (13 ° century, 0), bearing at the bottom of a wooden pole. Very important is the image of the Virgin and Child 14th century, as well as the small icon of St. Aristonos dating to the 15 ° century. Another icon of St. Aristonos large scale dates back to 16 ° century.
Picture very important painter who exhibited at the museum is that of the Virgin and Child, signed by the painter George in 1540. The same painter assigned yet, a big picture of the Virgin Mary, set out above next to a signed picture. With great certainty, the large picture of the Upright St. Mamas, a few steps further, can be considered the work of George.
Perhaps the most artistic pictures of the Museum of Chorepiskopos, with excellent design and technical, are dug two small pictures, one of the Ascension of Christ and one of the Raising of Lazarus. These images are built in the early 16th century and it is obvious that it works great Cretan workshop.
With a strong Cretan style and stylistic mood, are two great icons of 16th century forming a couple. This image enthroned Christ and the Virgin and Child enthroned image.
In the 17 ° century, namely in 1628, we have the big picture of Christ “the Saviour of the World”, which ranks the projects with strong folk elements.
From the images of the 18th century, we should mention the image of St. John the Divine (1736) and the small picture of the Nativity of Christ. These two images should be attributed with certainty to the brush of the painter Gabriel Ierodiakonou Kykkotis. In 1722, the painter G., signs the image of St. John the Baptist.
In the second half of the 18th century, we should mention that there are several pictures, of which more below the aesthetic and stylistic features of art, now known as the art of the monastery of St. Irakleidios. Among them stands the image of the Virgin Mary in the formula, and certainly the image of St. George Nikoxyliti, signed in 1779 the painter Lawrence deacon.
In the 19 ° century, we have several small images, the peculiar rounded art Kornarou borrowed many western baroque and rococo elements. In the museum there are two very historical images of his art Kornarou. One is that of St. Nicholas in 1804, signed by himself Cretan painter John Cornaro. ever, the value of each painting depends on the painting quality, ie kallitechnikotita, but also the reputation of the painter. This applies to all signed by the great painter John Kornarou from Crete.
In this case the image of St. Nicholas, his work becomes much more value, because it occurred under very important circumstances, which the painter finds himself spontaneously and describes the back of the picture. Thus, the opportunity to scholars to meet and consider partially man Cornaro, thoughts and reflections on the socio-political events of his era, how they are expressed through the brush and how they affect the final outcome of a project it. This unique historical text on the back of the picture, mention significant historical information concerning the reasons for its position in 1804, attacking the rebels at home Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. Finally refers to the suppression of the attitude of the Turkish troops and the heavy price paid by the Christians.
The second important historical overview of school Kornarou, exhibited at the Museum of Chorepiskopos is the image of St. Tryphon and dates back to 1820. This image is one of many images, on the St. Tryphon, who had ordered the then Archbishop of Cyprus and national martyr Cyprian, praying to the patron saint of agriculture, such as protecting the fruits of the earth from invading locusts and to exterminate.
Apart from the pictures and carvings, the visitor can admire the Byzantine museum and many other sacred relics. Among them are works mikroxyloglyptikis as crosses blessing to wear silver. “Such a cross bearing the date 1908 and belonged to the then Bishop of Paphos James Antzoulato. The silversmithing and metalwork in the museum, represented by Holy Grails and discs, crosses, cherubs, and kandiles censer.
The museum exhibits also two priestly garments (18th-19th century) and the Episcopal ordination outfit, donated by the then Metropolitan of Paphos and now Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II. Two pontifical also dies (18th and 20th century) are among the exhibits. The gold embroidery is done and that its presence in the exhibition space with embroidered epimanika (19th century) and a large embroidered epitaph (19th century).
Particular mention should be made for written antiminsio of 1782, which is consecrated by the Bishop of Paphos Panaretos Mount (1710-1790). Finally to say that the displays of the exhibition space of the Byzantine Museum of Arsinoe Chorepiskopos are manuscripts and incunabula as well as the December Menaion (1551) and the Gospel (1599) which were printed in Venice.
The Chorepiskopos Arsinoe by the Byzantine museum in full activity, helps in knowledge and understanding of issues of ecclesiastical heritage, raise awareness and set an example and stimulus to the world to participate in the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage.
Text of Mr. Costas Gerasimos, Hagiography – Conservator
District: Paphos (Polis)
Address: Chorepiskopos Arsinoe, Peristerona, Paphos, PC 8810
Accreditation: Chorepiskopos Arsinoe (Bishopric)
Operation Period: All year
Hours: WINTER HOURS: Monday – Friday 10.00 -16.00, SUMMER HOURS: Monday – Friday 10.00 -13.00 and 15.00 -18.00.
Facilities: The museum is accessible for wheelchair. There are toilets for people in wheelchair. There is also a shop in the museum where visitors can buy pictures, ropes and other products. Given free brochures and made tour. There is parking opposite the museum and all transactions are by cash only.
Telephone / Fax: 00357-26352515 / 00357-26352413
Website / Email: www.impaphou.org / metropolis@impaphou.org
Entrance Fee: 2.00 euros. (for children up to 6-8 years free)
Ticket Fee: The entry
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