Fota
Description:
In 332 and 342 AD, major earthquakes occurred in Cyprus, causing severe damage to the island. The cities of Salamis, Paphos and other cities of Cyprus were destroyed. Salamis was restored after four years at the expense of Constantine, the son of Emperor Constantine the Great. The city of Salamis was renamed Constance. Paphos regained the status of the capital of Cyprus and became the seat of the episcopal see. The first Archbishop of Cyprus was Epiphanius, who headed the Church of Cyprus from 386 to 403 and was subsequently listed as a saint.
Epiphanius himself, a man who worked so much for the good of Cyprus, was born in Palestine. At the age of 17, he decided that he would accept the Sacrament of Baptism and become a Christian. From Palestine Epiphanius retired to the monasteries of Egypt and spent three years there, fascinated by history, learning the basics of asceticism and its traditions. After taking tonsure, he returned to his homeland, and then the bull was ordained bishop of Salamis-Constance in Cyprus, in which he remained for 33 years until his death.
The day of glorification of this saint coincides with the feast of Baptism, so January 6 is a very significant holiday for Cypriots.
It is also called the Day of the Three Magi. As you know, the Magi came to worship the born Savior not with empty hands, but with gifts: gold, incense and humble. It is for Baptism that children collect the largest harvest of gifts. Hotels, money, souvenirs, books and toys are given to children by relatives: grandparents, uncles, aunts, as well as guests. Especially generous congratulations on this day are received by people from godparents.
On the entire Mediterranean coast of Cyprus, the Sacrament of the Blessing of Water is celebrated on the feast of Baptism. The local bishop brings out a large cross from the temple and with the procession of the cross together with the flock (and with all who wish) goes to the shore. Under solemn church chants, the bishop lowers the cross into the sea and consecrates the water with special prayer. Women try to visit the church on the eve of the holiday, where they consecrate water for the house, so that, returning, they sprinkle it on their home. They also save water in order to sprinkle the land around the house, and in rural areas, Holy water ("agiasmoy") sprinkled land and livestock. Also, as a rule, women try to take after the festive service the fire from the lamp in front of the icon of the Mother of God, so that the house always reigned well-being and there was no place for cunning tricks of evil spirits.
Sometimes you can find such a picture. According to an ancient tradition handed down to the Cypriots by their ancestors, young people jump into the water to quickly catch up with a cross thrown into the sea from the shore. It is believed that the man who picks it up first will receive a special blessing for the whole year. But this is the only prank that Cypriots allow themselves with regard to water. Everything goes according to strict rules.
On this holy day, you cannot disturb the water and indulge in it. On the very feast of the Baptism of the Lord, it is not customary to take a bath, go to the bath, especially to wash and clean the house. It is necessary to take care of the purity of the body and your home in advance, so that only in pleasant troubles to meet the feast of Baptism.
Since Epiphany in Cyprus is a public holiday and a day off, you can safely go guests, go outside, go to a cafe. There will be fun everywhere! Dancing, songs, competitions are mandatory - on such a day there is no reason for despondency and bad mood!