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Archive for March, 2011

St Mamas Yortu Sehidi Martyr

The first church was built in Byzantine style although it was rebuilt during the Middle Ages in the Gothic style. Further changes took place during 18th century when the large central dome was added. The monastic buildings were also erected in 18th century but a number of capitals and column here are from the former church.One traditional suggest that during the 12 th century Mamas a Cypriot hermit could not pay his taxes so soldiers were deployed to bring him to the capital for punishment. Enroute the group witnessed a lion with his eye on a lamb for lunch. Without hesitation the legend says Mamas saved the lamb took it in his arms and entered the capital city on the back of the lion.
This so impressed the The Byzantine authorities that they released the hermit from his obligations; ever since St. Mamas has been regarded as the protector of tax avoiders. Is this why there are thirteen other churches in Cyprus dedicated to the saint?Another tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church suggests a different version of the St Mamas story. This tells of Mamas being born in the third century in Paphalagonia in Asia Minor to well known Christian parents Theodotos and Rufina both of whomhad been imprisoned by the Roman authorities for their then illegal confession of the Christian Faith. Whilst in prison Theodots predeceased the birth of his son and his wife died soon after the birth. The infant was placed in the care of a Christian widow called Ammia who cared for Mamas and provided for his education and ensyured a Christian upbringing.As a fifteen year old his pious example and preaching of the Gospel soon came to the attention of the Roman authorities.
He was arrested and broght before the Governor who sought to persuade him to change his ways then he dispatched him to the Roman Emperor Aurelian270275 for further consideration. The Emperor also failed to persuade Mamas to deny Christ and to worship the Emperors gods which meant he suffered more imprisonment and harsh punishment.However Mamas managed to escape to the mountains where he led a monastic existence of prayer and fasting. It was during this time that he discovered an influence over his surroundings and on the fauna of the forest wilderness to whom he preached the Gospel similar to his famous successor St. Francis of Assisi.Mamas reputation spread throughout the region and he again came to the attention of the Roman governor who promptly ordered his arrest. According to one account Mamas volunteered himself to the authorities accompanied by a lion. This version suggests that the Roman authorities were not impressed by this gesture so he was arrested imprisoned and beaten which ended when he was offered to the lions. He emerged from the lions den unharmed but was then struck and wounded by a pagan priest wielding a trident. He escaped to a cave where he died of his injuries around the year 275 AD. News of Mamas martyrdom spread throughout Asia Minor where according to the practice of the practice of the Early Church he was beatified as Saint by Pope St. Basil the Great. As was usual in those times the deeds of saints and martyrs were enhanced by pious legend perhaps exaggeration hence two versions of St Mamas martyrdom. The image of St. Mamas on the lions back seeks to remind Christians in a symbolic manner of the theology of the Eastern Church regarding the creation and mans place in it.In St. Mamas Church the icons which make up the upper part of the screen are carved of wood and painted in blue and gold are an exquisite example of late 16th century wood carving. The lower part is carved of marble and features figs grapes and acorns together with Venetian shield which once displayed their coats of arms featuring their symbol a lion!The marble tomb of St. Mamas which has survived must have been part of the early Byzantine Church. The sarcophagus contains two holes from which it is claimed a balm to protect eyes and ears from infection oozes; it is said that the balm also calmed stormy seas and is mot an uncommon feature in other Byzantine churches viz the sweating stones.
The Church of St Mamas at Guzelyurt is open to the public every day from 0830 hrs to 17.00 hrs. occasionally Greek Orthodox Priests visit St Mamas to preside over Mass especially to celebrate Christian Feast Days especially at Easter.

About the writer:  Write about cyprus villageslove to write about cyprus visiting village and historical places lots of information for cyprus visitorsCyprus Hotels

St Maarten Villas A Great Base For Exploring

The French and the Dutch colonialists Partitioned this little piece of paradise to divide de of the island St. Martin and the other portion St. Maarten. However that was several generations ago and the modern island is now can be considered to be the epitome of a true mixing of diverse and intermingling cultures.

The borderline between these two nations that straddles the island is hard for tourists notice these days. It is not even particularly adhered to by the two countries as they prefer to just get on with their lives. in a way that only Caribbean people know how.

Having said that this is two very different places the hundreds of years of rule of the European settlers have produced two very different cultures. However unlike other parts of the world these cultures live side by side in harmony enjoying and celebrating their similarities and differences.

The French side of the paradise island is a small tropical version of the south of France. It features fine dining the latest in Paris fashions and a Caribbean laidback and totally luxurious feel. The classic French style permeates through every aspect of life influencing the resorts street signs and the indulgent sidewalk cafes.

On the Dutch side is more bustling and just slightly more reserved. Tourism and related businesses are the main focus of business and personal lives. Although busier than the French area of the island it is still very tourist orientated with lots to do and see.

Whichever side of the tropical isle you may prefer this is still the Caribbean and beach life plays a major role in tourist and local lives. There are well in excess of thirty stunning beaches dotted around the islands entire coast.

The beaches offer the classic white sands palm trees coral reefs and warm water that is totally crystal clear. On the French side you dont even need a costume for all of the beaches. The beaches vary from heavily populated offering every beach activity imaginable to quite secluded stretches of near uninhabited palm fringed beaches. Where there is not a stunning white sand beach there are rugged limestone cliffs cascading into the sea offering spectacular coastal scenery.

All around the island you can indulge in all types of water activities from basic snorkeling to the full scuba reef diving experience or exploring the British battleship under the waters of Great Bay. Sailing jet skiing pleasure boating wind surfing and para sailing are just a few of the exiting must try indulgences available.

There are many miles of hiking trails traversing the mountains and along the beautiful shoreline. If your feet get tired there are horseback adventures or a more leisurely spoilt walk around a first class golf course.

There are night and day markets the old French Quarter the incredible butterfly farm and many other ways to spend you time on this enchanted island.

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Step Into History Literature At The Boston Public Library

A monumental building stands upon Boylston Street standing tall in its magnificence and telling century old tales of Boston. This very building is none other than the Boston Public Library. Holding secrets of history culture and customs it stands tall since the day it has made its home there.

The Great and General Court of Massachusetts founded the Boston Public Library and was the first everfree library in the United States of America. Founded in 1848 this historical public library is a gift to community offering people the love for knowledge and education. Initially held in an old schoolhouse on Mason Street it was later relocated to the building that stands tall today on Boylston Street. An architectural marvel created by architect Charles Follen McKim it was also known to some as The Palace for the People.

Since its inception the Boston Public Library or BPL as it is commonly referred to has expanded into branch libraries. The McKim building as well as the Johnson building designed by Phillip Johnson forms the BPL. These two buildings form the headquarters form the many branches of the library which spans across Boston city.

Apart from the vast collection of books and research material the library also boasts the possession of many valued objects such as rare books and manuscripts antique maps musical scores and prints. Some of those objects include several early edition folios of William Shakespeare some musical scores by Mozart and John Adamss personal library.

The Boston Public Library is not just a structure holding secrets of knowledge but also it holds its own secret treasures such as Bates Hall. The Bates Hall is known as one of the most important rooms in the world architecturally. The hall which is named in honor of Joshua Bates a merchant banker from London who was born in Massachusetts is a half domed beauty with oak and limestone furniture and fittings. The dcor includes the busts of famed Bostonians and revered authors.

The Boston Public Library holds many galleries such as the Chavannes Gallery The Abbey Room and the Sergeant Gallery. The library also allows for library tours around this architectural marvel.

Visit the Boston Public Library and be awed by the sheer beauty and grandiosity of the structure and everything it possesses while staying at the Taj Boston a five star hotel located close to the library. This Boston luxury hotel offers guests lavish accommodation coupled with quality services and warm hospitality.

About the writer:  Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. http://www.emarketingeye.com/