Situated right in the heart of Larnaca, the majestic stone church of St Lazarus is one of the oldest and most revered architectural and religious buildings in Larnaca. St Lazarus Church is one of the oldest and most revered architectural and religious monuments of the Byzantine period. of the city's Byzantine period. It was built as early as the 9th century by Emperor Leo VI on the burial place of St Lazarus, who was a contemporary of Jesus Christ and a participant of the Byzantine period. a contemporary of Jesus Christ and a participant in the Gospel events. After his resurrection, he settled in the city of Kition, where Larnaca now stands, and became the first person to live there. Larnaca, and became its first archbishop. It was there that the tomb of Lazarus the tomb of Lazarus was discovered with the inscription "Lazarus of the Fourth Day, friend of Christ." It's thought that this discovery gave the new town its name, because from the word "larnax", which means "sarcophagus" or "tomb". "tomb". Now this sarcophagus can be seen in the temple - it is installed under the the altar. But the remains of the saint themselves have not been there for a long time - they were taken to Constantinople. Constantinople.
Formerly near the church there was a monastery. Later, in one of its premises, which is located in the western wing of the former monastery complex. a small religious and archaeological museum where you can see real masterpieces, which are unique examples of Byzantine art. Mainly These are mostly icons, including those carved from wood, objects used in religious rituals, ancient artifacts of the Byzantine era. religious ceremonies, ancient scrolls and manuscripts, wooden sculptures, several ancient copies of Byzantine art. sculpture, several ancient copies of the Bible. Special attention should be paid to special attention should be paid to the icons of Lazarus in the museum's collection - there are some truly valuable copies. really valuable pieces. On one of them, which was badly damaged in a fire, has a miraculously preserved image of the saint holding the Gospel in one hand, and the other folded for a blessing.
