Christ is in our midst!

After two days of cancellations... I arrived in Cyprus this past Thursday. I ended up flying from Philadelphia to Boston and then on to London and finally the city of Larnaca in Cyprus. When I arrived I could smell the citrus trees and feel the warm sun immediately... then I was met with a dose of reality -somewhere along the line my checked bag did not make the same journey... and it actually just arrived Saturday after Vespers! There is a saying out here, "why do it today when it could be done tomorrow" or perhaps the next couple of days I guess.

Friday was my first full day, and Fr. Seraphim Majmudar (a friend from seminary and his family who are living in Cyprus for a year) took me on a long walk along the roads and trails over-looking their village, Agios Georgios (St. George), as well as the rest of the region. This area is known for its grapes, which make a sweet wine called - Koummandaria (Koo-man-da-ria). Each village has at least one church and perhaps a chapel or two... there are tons of cats and YaYa's (grandmothers) roaming the streets.
 
Saturday evening and Sunday morning I served with Fr. Seraphim at the Panagia Amasgous (Mother of God of Damascus), which is named for a wonder-working icon which came from Damascus and is enshrined in their icononstasis. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and has survived invasion by pirates, Muslims, and other assorted and sundry characters. The Geronditsa (Eldress or Abbess) Epiphania and the sisters were very welcoming and a joy to be with. I hope to take photos of the monastery and share them at a later date.
 
The photos attached show the Majmudars (Fr. Seraphim, Sophie, Brigid, and John) at home in the village of Agios Georgois, the interior of the “old church” of St. George in the village, and scenes from our walk. Towards the end of the slide-show there are photos of St. Phonorios school and Church, in the city of Limersol, where John and Brigid go to school, as well as photos from Governors Beach (also near Limersol), and the Katholikon (Cathedral) of the city.
 
I hope to send more updates towards the end of next week. May God bless you all and may His Mother keep you under Her protecting veil.
 
With love in Christ-
 
Fr. Stephen