The Church commemorates the Translation of the Holy Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew or Nathanael, who was one of the twelve disciples of the Lord. His memory is celebrated, together with that of Apostle Barnabas, on June 11.
According to tradition, Saint Bartholomew taught and was martyred by crucifixion in Armenia, and his holy relic was placed in a stone shrine in Urbanoupolis.
This shrine, which was a source of healing for the faithful, was thrown into the sea by pagans, along with the remains of relics and other local saints. The relic of Apostle Bartholomew was miraculously found on the island of Lipara, west of Sicily, as it was miraculously discovered by Bishop Agathon, who placed it in a holy temple. After the Arabs conquered the island, the relic was moved to the city of Venice.
Source: Church of Cyprus