Blogs

For information on the Cyprus Dispute, historical background and peace efforts, visit Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w..., and click on "a matter of ongoing dispute" third paragraph.

See www.thecypriot.com for regular updates of the peace process. Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974.

See also, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/h....

The website of the Cyprus Embassy in Washington also has regular news items. Visit,

http://www.cyprusembassy....

Chrissi Hart's charming re-telling of the legend of the icon of the "merciful Mother of God" in the monastery of Kykkos in Cyprus is perfectly illustrated by Niko Chocheli. Both word and image capture the devotion of the Orthodox world to the Virgin Mary, the life of a holy monk, the splendor and intrigue of the Byzantine court, and the natural beauty of the island's hillsides and sea. This is a book to be treasured and enjoyed by both children and adults.  

Pre-order Chrissi's new picture book for children and adults on amazon.com!

This book is now available in English and German from Moufflon Bookshop, Nicosia, Cyprus.Order a copy at, export@moufflon.com.cy   

The Hermit, the Icon and the Emperor tell the story of how the prayers of a monk brought about the healing of a governor and a princess and how these events led the Emperor of Constantinople to give to the people of Cyprus his most precious possession: an icon of the Mother of God holding the child Christ that was painted by the Saint Luke, the Gospel author. This skillfully written and beautifully illustrated book introduces the reader, both child and adult, to one of the most treasured memories of the Cypriot people. Jim Forest,

The website of the Cyprus Embassy in Washington has a wonderful video clip of The Ten Painted Churches in Cyprus. See the beautiful frescoes on http://www.cyprusembassy....

"This book does not merely entertain, but invites children to sense something of the beauty and mystery of our faith. The story, in itself appealing, is wonderfully complemented by the unique and moving illustrations."Frederica Mathewes-Green. Author of The Lost Gospel of Mary" The Theotokos in Three Ancient Texts, First Fruits of Prayer: A Forty-Day Journey Through the Canon of St. Andrew and The Open Door: Entering the Sanctuary of Icons and Prayer.

"Church history is always a challenging topic with young children.  The Hermit, the Icon, and the Emperor brings one moment of history alive in this beautifully illustrated and delightful retelling of the establishment of one of Cyprus' most important religious centers." Anton C. Vrame, Ph.D. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

With elegance, but in words that a child can easily understand, Chrissi Hart tells the compelling story of how the Eleousa Icon came to Cyprus. In addition to the history of such an important icon, there are many spiritual lessons to learn here—the consequences of sin; the beauty of repentance; humility and forgiveness as shown by the Hermit Isaiah; and over all, the love and care of God and the Theotokos for the Church. As always, Nico Chocheli’s illustrations are stunningly beautiful. I am looking forward to more of Chrissi’s stories.