Cyprus, Gateway to Paul's Missionary Journeys

All sites visited in Paphos today are included in the official UNESCO List of Cultural Heritage. Paphos was the Roman capital of Cyprus and it was there, after seeing God perform a miracle through Paul, that the Proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity in 47 AD. Cyprus was the first area to be ruled by a Christian. Our first stop is at the Pillar of St. Paul where the Apostle was bound and flogged. It is surrounded by the remnants of an early Christian basilica constructed in the 4th Century. The tour proceeds to the colorful and evocative Roman mosaics depicting mythological scenes mostly from the 3rd Century AD. The tour continues to the Tomb of the Kings - an ancient necropolis carved out of solid rock and given this regal name because of its imposing character. These underground pillared atria and chambers served as refuge for Christians during early persecutions. The next stop is the Monastery of St Neophytos. In 1159 a monk by the name of Neophytos cut this hermitage in the rock with his own hand. The Neophytos Rock-Grotto contains fine frescoes from the 12th to 15th Century. En route back to Limassol there is a photostop at Petra Tou Romiou, a chunky, rugged rock that marks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, ancient Goddess of Love and Beauty. Cyprus was an important pilgrimage centre during Ancient times for the worship of this Goddess. We return to Limossol for dinner and the evening.

We begin our tour today with the city where Paul & Barnabas began their ministry in Cyprus, the port city that they sailed to from Jaffa. (Acts 13:5) Biblical Salamis was a maritime town on the eastern coast of Cyprus, situated at the end of a fertile plain between two mountains. Its fine harbor, its location, and fortifications made it the chief city of the island. When St. Paul landed at Salamis with Barnabas and met John Mark, there were several synagogues, and it was here that they began their witness to the island. Although the date, place, and circumstances of his death are, as yet, historically unverifiable, Christian tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis in 61 AD. He is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Church. We visit the Roman ruins and the church and monastery where Varnavas, the founder of the church of Cyprus is buried. Continuing on to Larnaca, we visit the Panagia Angeloktisiti, the oldest known church in Cyprus dating back to the 6th century. Another stop will be made to view the traditional Tomb of Lazarus. Again, tradition says that Mary and Martha visited Lazarus in Larnaca. Free time will be allowed along the lovely Palm tree promenade before dinner.

Private groups can include additional days at a very reasonable cost.