On the Occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day in Cyprus, a Unique Exhibit — a Veil Donated by King Erekle II to the Icon of the Virgin Mary, Along with Other Historical Artifacts Preserved in Cyprus — Was Presented
On the Occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day in Cyprus, a Unique Exhibit — a Veil Donated by King Erekle II to the Icon of the Virgin Mary, Along with Other Historical Artifacts Preserved in Cyprus — Was Presented 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪
On the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, an exhibition was held in Cyprus at the initiative of the Embassy of Georgia in Cyprus, showcasing monuments of Georgian cultural heritage preserved on the island. Among the exhibits, a unique artifact preserved in the museum of Kykkos Monastery was presented to the public for the first time — a gilded veil donated in 1780 by King Erekle II to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos.
The veil bears an inscription embroidered in silver letters containing the words of the great Georgian king, in which he entrusts his kingdom and the Georgian people to the miraculous icon:
“O Virgin Mary, Hope of Christianity, know and remember your humble servant Erekle II, King of Upper Iberia… I offer this gift to the Heavenly Mother of God for the strengthening of our nation and country.”
The event also featured materials depicting medieval Georgian monasteries discovered in Cyprus, as well as artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Lina Kassianidou, attended the event and addressed the audience, congratulating the Georgian people on Independence Day.
During the event, the Georgian dance ensemble “Remisioni,” active in Cyprus, performed a traditional dance number.
It is noteworthy that, according to Christian tradition, the Icon of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos was painted by Luke the Evangelist and is regarded as one of the most important holy images in Christianity.
As part of the exhibition, a reception dedicated to Independence Day was also held, attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Government and Parliament of Cyprus, members of the public, and Georgian clergy serving in Cyprus.
On the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, an exhibition was held in Cyprus at the initiative of the Embassy of Georgia in Cyprus, showcasing monuments of Georgian cultural heritage preserved on the island. Among the exhibits, a unique artifact preserved in the museum of Kykkos Monastery was presented to the public for the first time — a gilded veil donated in 1780 by King Erekle II to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos.
The veil bears an inscription embroidered in silver letters containing the words of the great Georgian king, in which he entrusts his kingdom and the Georgian people to the miraculous icon:
“O Virgin Mary, Hope of Christianity, know and remember your humble servant Erekle II, King of Upper Iberia… I offer this gift to the Heavenly Mother of God for the strengthening of our nation and country.”
The event also featured materials depicting medieval Georgian monasteries discovered in Cyprus, as well as artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, Lina Kassianidou, attended the event and addressed the audience, congratulating the Georgian people on Independence Day.
During the event, the Georgian dance ensemble “Remisioni,” active in Cyprus, performed a traditional dance number.
It is noteworthy that, according to Christian tradition, the Icon of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos was painted by Luke the Evangelist and is regarded as one of the most important holy images in Christianity.
As part of the exhibition, a reception dedicated to Independence Day was also held, attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Government and Parliament of Cyprus, members of the public, and Georgian clergy serving in Cyprus.