AN AGE-OLD LANDMARK
IN THE VILLAGE OF TOCHNI
The Church of Saints CONSTANTINE and HELENA is Located in the elevated village of Tochni, in the district of Larnaca. This church 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. In 313 he granted religious tolerance to all Christians within the Roman Empire. this came in the form of the Edict of Milan. This marked the beginning of Christianity becoming the empire’s dominant religion. The relentless religious efforts, after adopting the faith, and the edict of Milan led to both CONSTANTINE THE GREAT and his mother HELENA honoured as Christian saints.Â
A FRAGMENT OF THE HOLY CROSS
BROUGHT TO THE ISLAND BY SAINT HELENA
Historians Leontios Machairas and Louis de Mas Latrie, tell about significant Christian contributions to Cyprus from HELENA. They describe how she returned to the island after her pilgrimage to the Holy Lands in the year 327. She then established three Christian monasteries in the mountain range of Stavrovouni, and in the villages of Tochni and Omodos. She brought with her sacred relics that she placed at each site. These included a fragment of the Holy Cross and another holy cross that was  attributed to many miracles. This deeply rooted each site into early Christian doctrines. The fragment of the Holy Cross, also known as the Small Cross, is still held by the Greek Orthodox Church today, but the larger cross, which came to be known as the Cross of Tochni 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. Erected in the 4th century, it was built directly on the bridge over the river. The original monastery has not survived but remnants of it today can be found just by the Byzantine Museum. The 14th-century Latin Church of Timios Stavros replaced the original monastery but this also did not survive. The church that stands on the site today was built in 1936 across from the previous structures ruins. The rectangular church that still identifies with both the Saints CONSTANTINE and HELENA, is characterised by its simple yet elegant architectural style. Local stone was extensively used in its structure, allowing 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. The church also features a traditional gabled roof with a small bell tower, adding to its rustic 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 spirituality 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. He then attempted to leave the island by sea, but 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 home 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 it has provided solace and hope to the local area during difficult times. The church acts as a village focal point and plays a vital role in the spiritual life of the local community. It often serves as a gathering place, as well as a place of worship and religious ceremonies. The annual feast day of the Saints CONSTANTINE and Helena is 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
The church remains a place of worship and a centre for community life in the village. In recent years, preservation efforts have been crucial, not only for maintaining the church as a place of worship but also for safeguarding its cultural heritage. Local authorities and community leaders have collaborated to maintain the church’s structural integrity. They have also tried to retain the church’s aesthetic appeal with restoration projects focusing on repairing and maintaing its frescoes. 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. It stands as a landmark and a 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. 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.
