Overview

The Monastery of the Holy Cross in Omodos is renowned for its invaluable relics. These include the Great Cross with the Holy Rope, a wooden cross with a gold and silver-plated cover, decorated with scenes from the life of Christ. It houses the "Agios Cannavos" or Holy Hemp-made Rope, the only surviving piece from the rope used to fasten Christ to the Cross. Another important relic is the Cross of the Panaretos, the all-virtuous one, which was transferred to the Monastery for safekeeping. The Monastery also houses the skull of the Apostle Philip, kept in a gold and silver-plated case, witnessed by the seals of Byzantine Emperors Theodosius the Great and Heraclius. The wooden Cross, measuring 15 centimeters tall, is decorated with precious stones and is a testament to the fine joinery artistry. Additionally, there is a fragment of stone from the Golgotha (Calvary) and remains of 26 Saints, as well as various holy vessels, precious jewels, and other offerings. These relics, along with the rich history of the Monastery, make it a destination for those seeking spiritual and cultural significance.