The Church celebrates the uncovering and translation of the relics of Saint Neophytus the Recluse and commemorates Venerable Chariton the Confessor and Venerable Auxentius, who is highly honoured in the occupied region of Komi Kebir, located on the Karpas Peninsula, in Cyprus.
Venerable Chariton became a martyr under the reign of Emperor Aurelian. He was imprisoned and tortured because he confessed his faith in the Lord. Nevertheless, he was distinguished by his steadfastness in Christian faith.
He was set free after the death of Emperor Aurelian. Bearing on his body the marks of the tortures, he decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. On his way to Jerusalem, he was arrested by bandits who tortured him. However, they died as they drank poisoned wine. Venerable Chariton transformed the bandits’ lair into a monastery. He was then followed by several monks, who became saints later on as the Holy Spirit recognised that they led a virtuous life.
The monasteries remain a place of peace and prayer throughout time and the monk fathers strive like candles of Christ for their salvation and the strengthening and consolation of the people who live in the bustling life of the city.
In addition, the monasteries offer beneficial opportunities for religious and pilgrimage tours so that the faithful can find spiritual support and healing. Many monasteries are spiritual beacons of Orthodoxy and show the great monastic tradition that was inaugurated in the apostolic years.
Source: Church of Cyprus
