Cyprus-Forum.com

[kangaroo]

During a recent visit, May 08 to Apostolos Andreas I was overwhelmed by the appalling decay and devastation caused to this remarkable piece of our spiritual heritage. Not withstanding my feelings of disheartenment I was somewhat intrigued to see an old woman who I now understand to be called Desmina (but I question the interpretation of this name) who appeared to be something of a 'keeper' of the faith of the monastery. I understand 'Desmina' is of Greek Cypriot heritage. Does anybody know of her and her story?

[Oracle]

During a recent visit, May 08 to Apostolos Andreas I was overwhelmed by the appalling decay and devastation caused to this remarkable piece of our spiritual heritage. Not withstanding my feelings of disheartenment I was somewhat intrigued to see an old woman who I now understand to be called Desmina (but I question the interpretation of this name) who appeared to be something of a 'keeper' of the faith of the monastery. I understand 'Desmina' is of Greek Cypriot heritage. Does anybody know of her and her story?

Kangaroo did you take the photograph?

Did you get to speak to Desmina whilst you were there?

She certainly should be considered for "Sainthood" ....

[bill cobbett]

Word to the wise, be very wary of putting money in the strogbox when buying candles. I am told it ends up in less than Xian pockets. Find other ways of making your gift.

[kangaroo]

During a recent visit, May 08 to Apostolos Andreas I was overwhelmed by the appalling decay and devastation caused to this remarkable piece of our spiritual heritage. Not withstanding my feelings of disheartenment I was somewhat intrigued to see an old woman who I now understand to be called Desmina (but I question the interpretation of this name) who appeared to be something of a 'keeper' of the faith of the monastery. I understand 'Desmina' is of Greek Cypriot heritage. Does anybody know of her and her story?

Kangaroo did you take the photograph?

Did you get to speak to Desmina whilst you were there?

She certainly should be considered for "Sainthood" ....

I did take the photo (sorry it came out on it's side). Unfortunately, I did not speak with the old woman... I was so overwhelmed with mixed emotions on the day. Now, I sit here thousands of miles away and look at the photos and not only reminisce but have this burning fascination of finding out this woman's story. She is somewhat of an identity as there are a few images of her which I have found when I have googled Apostolos Andreas.

[denizaksulu]

During a recent visit, May 08 to Apostolos Andreas I was overwhelmed by the appalling decay and devastation caused to this remarkable piece of our spiritual heritage. Not withstanding my feelings of disheartenment I was somewhat intrigued to see an old woman who I now understand to be called Desmina (but I question the interpretation of this name) who appeared to be something of a 'keeper' of the faith of the monastery. I understand 'Desmina' is of Greek Cypriot heritage. Does anybody know of her and her story?

Kangaroo did you take the photograph?

Did you get to speak to Desmina whilst you were there?

She certainly should be considered for "Sainthood" ....

I did take the photo (sorry it came out on it's side). Unfortunately, I did not speak with the old woman... I was so overwhelmed with mixed emotions on the day. Now, I sit here thousands of miles away and look at the photos and not only reminisce but have this burning fascination of finding out this woman's story. She is somewhat of an identity as there are a few images of her which I have found when I have googled Apostolos Andreas.

I spoke to the Lady mentioned when I visited two years ago with my wife. My wife bought a candle and and gave her some money in her hand and was acknowledged with a nod. I could not get a word out of her nor a smile. I am sure she has a tale to tell. A sad tale. She must be so lonely. Its a pity that the Pontians will visit in large numbers but dont speak Cypriot. She has only the St. Andreas feast day to look forward to.
Good advice about the 'box' but I doubt it would be touched.

[kangaroo]

I have found a photo online which talks about her and another man who the photographer thought was her husband. (I do not think this is the case though). I am starting to think I will have to come back to Cyprus again soon just to satisfy my curiosity... any excuse

[denizaksulu]

[quote="kangaroo"]I have found a photo online which talks about her and another man who the photographer thought was her husband. (I do not think this is the case though). I am starting to think I will have to come back to Cyprus again soon just to satisfy my curiosity... any excuse[/quote]


Pardon me my ignorance, but I always thought the Lady was a Kallourkes?Nun.

[kangaroo]

I have found a photo online which talks about her and another man who the photographer thought was her husband. (I do not think this is the case though). I am starting to think I will have to come back to Cyprus again soon just to satisfy my curiosity... any excuse

Pardon me my ignorance, but I always thought the Lady was a Kallourkes?Nun.

you mean a kalogria? (nun) Perhaps someone who has a superior command of the cypriot language can correct me.... I don't know if she is a nun.... but I would like to find out! LOL I wonder if there is anyone who will be going there soon could enquire?

[Paphitis]

Word to the wise, be very wary of putting money in the strogbox when buying candles. I am told it ends up in less than Xian pockets. Find other ways of making your gift.

Let me just say that I concur with this wise advice. Nothing else to say.

[kangaroo]

Word to the wise, be very wary of putting money in the strogbox when buying candles. I am told it ends up in less than Xian pockets. Find other ways of making your gift.

Let me just say that I concur with this wise advice. Nothing else to say.

I was warned beforehand.... and took heed to the advise:)