by Bishop Gregory of Mesaoria
Today, our Church celebrates the translation of the Holy Relics of Apostle Bartholomew or Nathanael, one of the twelve disciples of the Lord. His memory is honored, along with Apostle Barnabas, on June 11th.
Saint Bartholomew, according to tradition, taught and martyred by crucifixion in Armenia, and his holy relic was placed in a stone shrine.
This shrine, which was a source of healing for the faithful, was thrown into the sea by pagans, along with the remains of relics of other local Saints. The relic of Apostle Bartholomew was miraculously found on the island of Lipari, Province of Messina, west of Sicily, as it was miraculously discovered by the local bishop Agathon, who received it and placed it in a holy temple. After the Arabs conquered the island, the relic was moved to Benevento (city of Campania, Italy), where they are kept at Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
Source: Church of Cyprus