Overview
The chapel of Saint Ioannis the Russian is located in the southern part of the village of Vouni in Limassol District, Cyprus. It is a small but beautiful architectural chapel dedicated to one of the most miraculous saints in Christianity. Thousands of people visit this chapel, seeking the saint's grace. Saint Ioannis the Russian was a young man who fought on the side of the Russians in a battle against the Tatars in 1711. He was captured and sold into slavery to a Turkish Agha (Omer Esat (Eset)), who offered him a house and wealth in exchange for his services and in the hope that his slave would accept Islam. Saint John resolutely resisted the will of his master saying, “You cannot turn me from my holy Faith by threats, nor with promises of riches and pleasures. I will obey your orders willingly, if you will leave me free to follow my religion. I would rather surrender my head to you than to change my faith. I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian.”. Saint John’s bold words and firm faith, as well as his humility and meekness, finally softened the fierce heart of his master and so Saint Ioannis chose to remain in the Agha's stable, dedicated to his religion, and lived there for many years. The Agaha was impressed by Saint Ioannis' determination and tried giving him a house a second time, but the saint refused and continued to praise Christ in secret every night. Saint John brought a blessing to his master simply by living in his household. The cavalry officer became rich, and was soon one of the most powerful men in Prokopion. He knew very well why his home had been blessed, and he did not hesitate to tell others. After he died at the age of 40, many Christians and Muslims believed in Saint Ioannis' sanctity and placed his relic on the altar of the church he loved after orders from his former master, the Turkish Agha. In 1832, the army of Oglou Osman tried to burn the relic, but it wouldn't burn. The relic continued to shine and release a sweet scent, which terrified the soldiers and led them to confess the miracle they saw. Source: https://www.ix-andromeda.com
