DEDICATED TO THE
40 CHRISTIAN MARTYRS OF SABASTE
AN UNUSUAL LANDMARK
Whilst there are several special churches in Cyprus, the chapel of ‘Ayioi Saranta’, located approximately 4 km from the coastal resort of Protaras in the district of Famagusta, is unlike most others on the island. This place of Greek Orthodox worship dominates the landscape in several ways, and its main accolade is that it is carved into an elevated rock face, forming a small cave-like structure.
DEDICATED TO THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE
Dedicated to the forty Christian martyrs of Sebaste, the chapel’s name derives from the Greek word for ‘forty saints’. Located in present-day Turkey, Sebaste was the scene where forty Roman soldiers refused to surrender their Christian faith in the year 320. All forty of them were martyred as they fell. The forty stalactites in the church’s ceiling symbolise each one of them.
A PROFOUND SENSE OF PEACE
Consisting of a single stone dome, the chapel is characterised by its simplicity in design. The dome is enclosed by a whitewashed wall, which is crowned by a white cross that dominates the entrance. The interior remains simple with only a few icons flanking a modest altar. This is found at the centre of the church, which uses natural sunlight for illumination throughout the day, along with several candles. This helps to exude a profound sense of peace and serenity and helps to create an ambience of quiet reflection. The chapel also offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the coast of Paralimni and Cape Greco.
THE FORTY MARTYRS OF SEBASTE
EARLY CHRISTIAN HISTORY
The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste is a well-known legend from early Christian history. It commemorates a group of Roman soldiers who were martyred for their faith in the city of Sebaste, in what is now Sivas, Turkey. The story blends historical memory with hagiography, and while exact historical details are debated, the tale has been a powerful symbol of faith and steadfastness under persecution.
A VIOLATION OF IMPERIAL EDICTS
The central figures are forty Roman soldiers who served in the cohort stationed at Sebaste. They were Christians in a time when the Roman Empire often demanded adherence to traditional polytheistic worship. As a result, they refused to participate in sacrifices to the Emperor or the Roman gods, which was a violation of imperial edicts and military discipline at the time. As punishment, the soldiers were sentenced to be executed.
STEADFASTNESS IN THE FACE OF DEATH
The forty martyrs are celebrated for choosing faithfulness to Christ over personal safety or comfort. The martyrdom inspired others, and stories of their courage spread throughout the Christian world. Their feast day is celebrated in various Christian traditions, often on January 9th. The number forty emphasises a collective witness, highlighting that a community can uphold conviction together. Their story also emphasises steadfastness in the face of death and the idea that spiritual courage transcends fear of physical harm.
