YMEE: We add another project to our rich cultural heritage
[/P]Work will begin in the coming period on the restoration of the Church of St Athanasios Pentashoinitos in Agios Theodoros Larnaca, the ruins of which were brought to light by the excavations of the Department of Antiquities in 2004 and 2005.
The church was built in the late 8th or early 9th century AD in honour of Saint Athanasius, the saint of the region of Pentashinouas, who seems to have lived between 620 and 640 AD. The excavations carried out by the Department of Antiquities in 2004 and 2005 identified the ruins of the original three-aisled church, as well as its different phases. According to the results of the excavations, it is assumed that the monument was probably in use until the beginning of the 17th century.
The most important element of the excavation was the discovery of an underground tomb in the central nave. It is speculated that this is the tomb in which the relic of St. Athanasius of Pentashinitus was deposited. Further archaeological research in 2013 revealed several other burials that testify to the use of the site as a cemetery.
In order to highlight the historical character of the church, the Department of Antiquities approved a study by a private architect for the conservation, restoration and use of the church for the benefit of the community of Agios Theodoros of Larnaca and the Church of Cyprus.
In order to highlight the historical character of the church, the Department of Antiquities approved a study by a private architect for the conservation, restoration and use of the church for the benefit of the community of Agios Theodoros of Larnaca and the Church of Cyprus.
The cost for maintenance and excavation work amounted to 109 thousand euros and was covered 50% by the Department of Antiquities and 50% by the A.G. Leventis Foundation. In addition, a study for the completion of the works was completed last week, with an estimated amount of 390 thousand euros, which will be covered by funds from the Department of Antiquities and the Ecclesiastical Committee.
The cooperation of the Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works with the Metropolis of Trimithounta and with the valuable assistance of the Metropolitan of Trimithounta and the Community of Agios Theodoros of Larnaca made "possible the promotion of a particularly important ecclesiastical monument of Cyprus", he noted in greeting of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Yannis Karousos. "With the completion of the restoration works, our country will add yet another monument to its rich cultural heritage," Mr. Karousos said.
(MKI)
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