AN AGE-OLD LANDMARK
IN THE VILLAGE OF TOCHNI
The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, located in the elevated village of Tochni in the district of Larnaca, stands as a testament to the island’s early Christian heritage in the region. Dedicated to the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, and his mother, Helena, the church is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical landmark that reflects the evolution of Christianity in Cyprus.Â
CONSTANTINE’S EDICT
GRANTED RELIGIOUS TOLERENCE TO ALL CHRISTIANS WITHIN HIS EMPIRE
Constantine the Great became Roman Emperor in the year 306, and he is renowned for his role in the Edict of Milan in the year 313. The edict granted religious tolerance to all Christians within the Roman Empire, marking the beginning of Christianity becoming the empire’s dominant religion. Constantine the Great and his mother Helena are honoured Christian saints because of this and their relentless religious efforts after adopting the faith.Â
A FRAGMENT OF THE HOLY CROSS
BROUGHT TO THE ISLAND BY SAINT HELENA
Historians Leontios Machairas and Louis de Mas Latrie, tell about a significant contribution from Constantine’s mother Helena to Cyprus that directly strengthened Christianity on the island. They describe how she established Christian monasteries in the mountain range of Stavrovouni, and the villages of Tochni and Omodos. She then transferred sacred relics to the island that included a fragment of the Holy Cross after her pilgrimage to the Holy Lands in the year 327, deeply rooting each site into early Christian traditions. The fragment of the Holy Cross, known as the Small Cross, is still held in the church today, but the large Cross of Tochni, attributed to many miracles, has been lost through time.
THE ARKATZIN RIVER
IN THE VILLAGE OF TOCHNI
The original monastery in the village of Tochni was situated above the Arkatzin River, directly on the bridge that was also erected in the 4th century. The 14th-century Latin Church of Timios Stavros replaced the original monastery, which did not survive and the remnants of the Latin Church became the Byzantine Museum after a new quite remarkable church devoted to the Holy Cross was built on the site in 1936 across from these ruins. The rectangular church that still identifies with both the Saints Constantine and Helena, is characterised by its simple yet elegant architectural style and the local stone, that was extensively used in its structure, allows the religious building to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Adorned with a dome, the church also exhibits simplified arches and vaults designed to resemble crosses. Its shutters and window frames are embellished with intricately detailed carved decorations and the church features a traditional gabled roof with a small bell tower, adding to its charm. Behind the church, on a steep slope, there is a cave with a stone bed that is said to have been once inhabited by a hermit monk.Â
BEAUTIFUL FRESCOES & ICONS
DEPICTING VARIOUS SAINTS & SEVERAL BIBLICAL SCENES
The church inside is adorned with beautiful frescoes and icons that depict various saints and several biblical scenes. These artworks not only enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the church but also serve as a visual narrative of the Orthodox Christian faith. The altar area is particularly noteworthy, as it is the focal point of the church’s liturgical activities.Â
THE LARGE CROSS OF TOCHNI
FOREVER LOST TO THE MIDST OF TIME
The Large Cross of Tochni is a relic that was attributed to several miracles. Adorned with rare jewels, legend has it that during the time of Frankish rule, a Latin priest stole the holy relic, but as he attempted to leave the island by sea, a violent storm erupted. In desperation, he discarded the cross in a nearby field after removing its valuable gemstones. A young shepherd who eventually became a monk, adopting the name Gabriel, rediscovered the cross many years later. the holy relic found a new hme when Gabriel oversaw the construction of a new monastery near Nicosia. As the years passed, however, Gabriel’s monastery became abandoned and then fell into disrepair with the relic disappearing once again to the midst of time.
A CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
& AN ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATED ON MAY 21ST
The church has remained a steadfast presence in the village of Tochni over the years and has provided solace and hope to the local populace during difficult times. The church acts as a village focal point and plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the local community of the immediate area, serving as a gathering place for religious ceremonies that include baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The annual feast day of the Saints Constantine and Helena is annually celebrated on May 21st, attracting visitors from all over the island, who gather to participate in the festivities. This event includes a special liturgy, followed by communal meals and several cultural activities.Â
RESTORATION & PRESERVATION
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
In recent years, preservation efforts have been crucial, not only for maintaining the church as a place of worship but also for safeguarding the cultural heritage of the church’s role in the village. Local authorities and community leaders have collaborated to maintain the church’s structural integrity along with its aesthetic appeal and restoration projects have focused on repairing the frescoes, ensuring that the church remains a place of worship and a centre for community life. The ongoing efforts to preserve and restore this cherished landmark ensure that future generations will continue to appreciate its historical and spiritual significance.
A STEADFAST REMINDER OF THE ISLAND'S PAST
& A SYMBOL OF VILLAGE CULTURE
The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena is more than just a religious building and stands as a landmark and symbol of village culture and ongoing community spirit. The church also serves as a reminder of the village’s history and the enduring faith of its inhabitants. Its dedication to two of Christianity’s most significant figures highlights its importance to the island and the Christian faith that exists in the daily lives of the local people of Cyprus. As the village of Tochni continues to evolve into the modernity of the 21st century, the church remains a steadfast reminder of the island’s past.
