Larnaka & the East - Cyprus - page 230

3 Entertainment
Savino Live C4
7 Shopping
23 Academic & General B2
24 Emira Pottery B5
25 Flamma Art Gallery C3
26 Fotinis Pottery C6
27 Handworks Handmade C4
28 Studio Ceramics C6
1 Sights
o Agios Lazaros CHURCH
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.ayioslazaros.org ; Agiou Lazarou; h 8am-12.30pm & 3.30-6.30pm Apr-Aug, 8am-12.30pm
& 2.30-5.30pm Sep-Mar)
This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have
resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an astounding example of Byzan-
tine architecture and further restoration in the 17th century added Latinate and Orthodox
influences to the building, most prominently in the bell tower, which was replaced after
being destroyed by the Ottomans. The beautiful interior is a showcase of unique Catholic
woodcarvings and skilled gold-plated Orthodox icon artistry.
Lazarus has a close association with Larnaka. Shortly after he rose from the dead,
thanks to Christ's miraculous intervention, Lazarus was forced to flee Bethany. His boat
landed here in Kition, where he was ordained as a bishop and canonised by Apostles
Barnabas and Paul. He remained a bishop for a further 30 years and when he died for the
second time was buried in a hidden tomb.
In 890 the tomb was discovered, bearing the inscription 'Lazarus friend of Christ'. Byz-
antine Emperor Leo VI had Lazarus' remains sent to Constantinople and built the current
church over the vault to appease local Christians. The remains were moved again, to Mar-
seille, in 1204.
The Tomb of Lazarus ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Agiou Lazarou) is under the apse of the Agios
Lazaros. Several sarcophagi were supposedly found in this catacomb when it was first dis-
covered but only the empty tomb now remains. In 1972 human remains were found under