Church of the Prophet Elijah


In Cyprus, in Protaras, there is the Orthodox Church of the Prophet Ilias, or the Temple of Agios Elias. It is located on a hill at an altitude of almost 115 meters above sea level. A small temple is built of stone in the classical Byzantine style. The church has a large round dome with a peaked peak and a cross at the top, as well as a small bell tower with a separate ascent. In order to climb to the temple, you need to overcome 170 steps.

History of the temple

According to legend, in the IX century BC, God sent the prophet Elijah to the earth in order to direct the true royal persons to the path. But the Israeli king Ahab and his wife Jezebel decided that they did not commit a sinful act and almost killed the prophet in a fit of cruelty. Ilya was expelled from the city in disgrace, and he was forced to seek refuge in caves. One day a good woman found him and helped him. As a token of his gratitude, the prophet Ilya cured her seriously ill son.

The Church of the Prophet Elijah is an Orthodox active church, the age of which is about 600 years. Originally the temple was built of wood, but because of the fragility of the wooden floors and strong winds on the hill it was decided to rebuild the temple, and erect it completely out of stone. From the historical point of view, the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Protaras is not valuable, but it is definitely one of the adornments of the city. According to legend, when you go up to the temple, you need to count the steps and remember their number. After examining the temple, when descending, you need to count the steps again and if the number is the same, all your sins will be forgiven.

What to see?

The interior of the temple of the Prophet Elijah is quite simple and sustained in the style of Orthodox churches. A small modest wooden altar, the walls are decorated with frescoes, which depict biblical scenes and Orthodox saints, and along the perimeter of the church, along the walls there are shops for rest. Inside, clean, cozy and quiet, free of charge lie candles for the parishioners. Every year on August 2, the day of the memory of the Prophet Elijah, the church is in service, and a fair is organized on the territory of the church.

In the dark, when the lights are turned on, the temple looks especially beautiful. At night, there are almost no tourists, so you can freely enter the temple and be alone with yourself and with God. Sometimes in the light of searchlights on the territory around the temple they arrange nightly performances. Near the Church of the Prophet Elijah there is a "tree of desires", where you can make a wish and in order for it to come true you need to tie a ribbon or a handkerchief on a branch. Before you start the descent from the hill, be sure to pay attention to the panoramic view that opens to the entire Protaras and the resort's surroundings.

How to get there?

If you are in Protaras, the Church of St. Elijah is located within walking distance from anywhere on the coast. From Ayia Napa via Φανός, take the E330 motorway about 7 km just under the hill of the church. The Church of the Prophet Elijah works every day, and the doors of the church are open to the congregation around the clock.