Frescoes of Agios Panfoutios, Agia Varvara and Agia Aikaterini (12th century) in an arch of the south wall, murals in other places (behind newer arches), building (construction) phases / joints as well as the substrate of at least three older floors, in The point where the excavation for the foundation of the central column took place, are the new findings, which were revealed during the renovation works of the temple of the Archangel Michael in the occupied Lefkonikos, said Dr. Diomidis Myriantheus, architect and restorer.
Lefkoniko is the birthplace of the great poet and bard of Romiosyni, Vassilis Michailidis, whose death marked 100 years this year and for this reason many honorary events are held in Cyprus and Greece. The poet's house was behind the temple of the Archangel, while on a plateau outside the courtyard of the temple was until 1974 his bust.
Mr. Myriantheus, noted that the church of the Archangel Michael in its current form is the result of many construction phases. "The older (visible today) phase dates back to the 12th century, there is a medieval phase of the 15th-16th century and phases of Ottoman rule (18th-19th) and reconstructions of the early 20th century," he explained.
In the frescoes in the south arch, a special transparent cover has been placed because they are located outside the temple. The general supervision was done by the architect, Diomidis Myriantheas and the maintenance was done by Fr. Kyriakos. During the works, frescoes of five Saints were discovered on the outer south side of the temple, one of which is Pamfoutios, which were preserved and covered with special glass for protection. They date between the 12th and 16th centuries.
Inside the church was preserved a large fresco of the Archangel Michael and a smaller one of Agios Georgios (19th and 20th century). Also, the Holy Table was preserved, donated by KALLI AND KOULAS 'WIFE (21.3.1957).
The renovation of the church, which was abandoned and destroyed after 1974 when the Greek Cypriots left the community, is part of the program of the Bicommunal Technical Committee for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of Cyprus (DTEDPK).
The church was handed over by the project contractor, Jacob Tel, to the Commission in a special ceremony, which was attended by displaced people from Lefkonikos, the mayor Zina Lysandrou - Panagidis, the metropolitan of Constantia-Famagusta Vassilios, foreign diplomats and Turkish Cypriots. The project was fully funded with 430 thousand euros by the European Commission. The general supervision was by the architect, Diomidis Myriantheas. Ali Chaglar helped with the plans and Fr. Kyriakos Papaioakeim did the maintenance.
Inside the church was preserved a large fresco of the Archangel Michael and a smaller one of St. George (19th and 20th century). Also, the Holy Table was preserved, donated by "KALLI AND HIS WIFE KOULAS (March 21.3.1957, XNUMX)". There was also an excellent wood-carved iconostasis with old Byzantine icons. In his speech, the Turkish Cypriot leader of the DTEDPK, Ali Tundzai, said that cultural heritage and different cultures "should no longer be factors that cause conflict, but factors for cooperation, peace and prosperity of the two communities of Cyprus". He stressed the need to remove all obstacles and restrictions related to cultural heritage, and to ensure that cultural heritage will no longer be a problem for Cyprus.
"It is time for us, as Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, to reconcile with the historical monuments of this place", he said and added: "this exceptional monument is no longer a heritage only of the Greek Cypriots, but also of the Turkish Cypriots living in it the beautiful village ".
Takis Hatzidimitriou, head of the Greek Cypriot group in the Commission, described the condition of the church before the restoration-renovation, saying: "This majestic building, elegant and imposing, was deserted and abandoned. Figs sprouted on its roof, cracks appeared in the walls, the church was filled with pigeons and the Archangel from the south wall watched the decay with great sadness… »
Through the monuments, Mr. Hatzidimitriou noted, "we rediscover ourselves and Cyprus. But moments like this give us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of tomorrow's Cyprus, which lies in mutual respect and multiculturalism. A vision for a new opportunity in history. To understand that none of us can live alone on our island. We need each other. And only when we are all together do we feel fullness ". We now understand, he continued, "that the road to peace and reconciliation is long and difficult, but it is the only one that saves lives and protects monuments."
In his speech, Takis Hatzidimitriou referred to the great poet of Cyprus, Vassilis Michailidis, and reminded that the cooperative movement was first presented in Lefkonikos, which saved the peasants, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots from the usurers. "Co-founders are Ioannis Economidis and Markos Charalambous. One of the first shareholders and member of the committee, Mehmet Suleiman. "At the funeral of Charalambos, there was also a priest and a hodja", said Mr. Hatzidimitriou.
The head of the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit in the Structural Reform Support Service at the European Commission, Xhartan Bornson, described the project as special, noting that it "marks the success of the hard work and efforts of many people for many months".
He also said that the EU supported the BSEC and since 2012 has provided 11.7 million euros through the Financial Aid Program for the Turkish Cypriot community for the implementation of the priorities of the Bicommunal Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage.
Mr Bornson assured the EU that it would continue its commitment, adding: "You can count on the EU as a loyal partner who shares your values for the protection of cultural heritage and the promotion of trust between the communities of Cyprus".
Titiana Zenaro, Cyprus Program Director at the United Nations Development Program, said that the temple of the Archangel Michael, with its impressive arches and well-preserved frescoes, one of which was discovered during maintenance work and is on display at the site "is valuable of the religious heritage of Cyprus ".
After the handover ceremony, a short prayer was offered and Metropolitan Constantia thanked everyone for the maintenance works in the church. Then, a group of Turkish Cypriots danced Cypriot dances in the courtyard of the temple.
The mayor of Lefkonikos, Zina Lysandrou-Panagidis, expressed great emotion, noting that "what was once considered a utopia, an elusive dream, came true".
Source: ΑΠΕ- ΜΠΕ