HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

The village of Omodhos was probably founded towards the end of Byzantine era, or the beggining of the Frankish Rule in Cyprus. Omodhos was built after the dissolvement of the settlements "Bano" and "Kato Koupetra"(meens in greek the eagle's stone-t'aetu petra) on the left site of the rivet "Ha-Bodami".
According to tradition Isaakios Komninos, the Bishop of Cyprus (1185-1191), having been defeated by the English King Richard the Lionheart saught refuse at Koypetra, the aria there called today  'Bolemi'=battle and the place they set on their tents called also 'Tenta'. This implies that 'Koupetra' existed in 1191 and was disolved soon after that.
It is said that an old woman, while begging from house to house and from one village (Bano) to the other (Kado Koubedra) managed, through gossip, to make the villagers hate each other. The situation became unbearable and the area governor was called upon to try and reconcile them, promising to cancel a year's tzxes in return for peace. His attempt, however, was in rain. They continued their emnity and killed each other until the two communities were destroyed.
A new settlement was then formed around the monastery of the Holly Cross, and took the name of Omodhos. There are several rumours as the origin of the name of Omodhos, three of which are the most prevelant: It is said that the inhabitans of the two communitiew of "Koubedra" used to see a light on the muntain opposite the village. They went over and found a lit votire lamp in a big bush (Vathgian), and dicided to build the village there and mane it Omodhos.  Another rumour was i that there several roads leading to the neighbouring villages of Gilani, Vasa, Mandria and others. The word Omodhos is made up of the adverb "omou" which means "here" and the word "othos" meaning the street.
The third rumour says that the name Omodhos comes from the Frankish name Homodeus. In a Frankish document it is mentioned that the village was named after the fendal lord Homodeus who lived in the area.
The village was owned in 1400 by sir John De Brie, prince of Galilea. Was reported as prosperous in 1570, but decling thereafter. Was a tobacco area in the early 19th century.
Omodhos was on the Wine Road which was completed from Limassol in November 1886 and the system was completed from Limassol to Platres.
Platres road upon completion of the Omodhos-Mandria sector in 1901. An inaugration ceremony was held in connection with Omodhos Fair on September 27 of that year.

LIFE IN OMODHOS

Omodhos is located in the district of Limassol and is one of the best wine producing villages in Cyprus. It is about 35 kilometres (26 miles) from Limassol, 80 km from Nicosia and 7 km from Platres.
The first view you get when you arrive in Omodhos is of its enormous big square, surrounded by whitewashed stone house, mulberry trees, tavernas, coffeehouse and souvenir shops.
Since the olden days the inhabitans have been vine-growers. Afther the day's work the men usually gather in the cafes, which are still exlsively for men, to relax and play game of cards, backgammon or chess.
"Omodhides" are people of strict morals, very proud of themselves and rather conservative on their ideas. They have a rich, and dynamic character.
The women respect their husbats, parents and relatives and they are known of their sensibility, honesty and good - house keeping. Apart from helping their husbunds in the fields the womans' place is basically in the home. In the summer they usually gather outside their homes, drinking coffee, gossirping and embroedering the famouw "bibilles"(needle lace). Nearly all the housew are built of stone, close to each other and retain their old architectural style. The streets are narrow and spotless.

THE CHURCE AND THE MONASTERY OF THE HOLLY CROSS

The monastery of the Holly Cross in Omodhos is one of the most ancient and respected monasteries in Cyprus. According to the chronicler Kyprianou, when St. Helen came to Cyprus in 327 a.d. and started building churches the monastery of O. was already in existance. When passing by the village she donated part of the rope the Jews used to tie Jesus on the cross.  As it was mentioned earlier the inhabitants of "Koubedra" used to see a light in the opposite slope where O. is now built. While digging around the place they came acroos a rock and undrneath it they found a small cross. Consequently, the church was built in this place and soon afterwards the monastery and the cells. Gradually, the monastery became very rich through donatons by the Christians.
Until the middle of the last century the monastery continued to function. It's property the came under the ecclesiastical control of Paphos Metropolis. In 1916 the Metropolis sold all the property to the inhabitants of O.
During the Turkish occupation the monastery was used as a school, attended by children from O. and the neighbouring village.
The original buildings of the monastery were renovated in 1816 when Chrysanthos was the Bishop of Paphos and Thositheos the abbot of the monastery. The monastery was at its glory in 1700 a.d. when it secured protection from Polis (Constantinoble). This happened after  the Sultan's son, who was to inherit the throne, was given a great reception by the monks of the Holly Cross at Constantinoble. The Sultan in return issued a "firmani"-a written confirmation- according to which no one had the right to violate the monastery. It was also exempted from paying taxes. Thus, during the difficult times of the Turkish rule the monastery of H.C. not only enjoyed enormous fame and glory, but was also used as a refuge by the persecuted.

HISTORICAL EVENTS OF THE MONASTERY OF THE HOLY CROSS AFTER 1700

-1700- The monastery became very famous because of the miracles of the H.C. and acruired enormous property donated by the faithfull. In 1700 it was granted "firmani" by the Sultan(see above). In addition it was empowered to solve disputes amongse the Christians in O. and the neighbouring villages.
-1757- Under the care of its protector Yermanou the monastery was provided with a fountain when Ioakin 3rt was the bishop of Paphos.
-1773 -1780- During this period the cranium of Phillippos the Apostle was transfered from the same church of Arsos village to O. for greater security.
-7th July 1811- The English lieutenant Erricos Rouk died at the monastery and was burried there by consent of the bishop Chrysanthos. After five years his requiem took place at the monastery. An interesting gravestone is inserte in the north wall of the church with the following inscription:-   Under this marble are deposite/ the remains of Henry Rooke Esq. formerly Major in the/ Hundredth DRegiment of Foot with brevet rank of Lieu/ tenant-Colonel in the service of His Britannic Majesty/ King George the Third. After quitting the he travelled/ thro'varous parts of Europa, and being in Italy/  in the year 1799, joined the Russian Army before Ancona/ as a volunteer officer and for his services and/ assistance in reducing that fortress his late Imperial/ Majesty of all the Russias Paul conferred upon him the/ Order of S. Anne of Holstein 2nd class. He died in this/ Convent the 7th day of July in the year of our Lord and Saviour/ 1811 and was interred by the Holy Fathers under/ neath this stone with their consent and that of/ the most Reverend the Bishop of the Greek Church in the island of Cyprus. His only surviving brother B./ Rooke as a last tribute of fraternal regard and affection/ hath caused this memorial to be conveyed and/ placed over his grave.
-1821- The house keeper of the monastery, Thositheos, was beheaded by the Turks in Nicosia.
-1917- The Metropolis of Paphos sold the monastery property to the inhabitants of Omodhos for three thousnd pounds.

MIRACLES OF THE HOLY CROSS

According to tradition the H.C. has performed many miracles, the most astonishing being told below:
It was a very dry summer in Jyly. The fountains had dried out and the inhabitans had to fetch water from a long way. At noon one day, the monastery's bell started ringing by itself. The people ran to find out what had happened and saw that the north side of the monastery had caught fire, but they could not put it out as there was no water. In despair the house keeper got hold the H.C. and knelt down with the other people and started praying. That very moment a black cloud had formed over the Troodos mountain and was heading towards the village. Before the prayer was over the cloud stood over the belfry. In then started raining heavily, the roads filled with water and the people were able to put out the fire. The amazing phenomenon, however, was that the fire left no mark of damage to the monastery.

SACRED, PRICELESS RELICS TO BE FOUND IN THE CHURCH

The church in Omodhos is the only one in Cyprus that preserves part of the Holy Cross, Holy Rope, and Holy Stone, brought from Golgotha.
    According to John Tsignopoullos the Holy Rope is encased with the Holy Cross. This is a very old Cross and the cost for it's carving was undertaken by the metropolitan bishop of Paphos, Banaretos the Saint, in 1773.
    The Holy Stone was given to father Kallistradis by the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theodosios on 14/4/1982 when the former visited Jerusalem, after an invitation from the Patriarch.

COUNTRY CHAPELS OF THE VILLAGE

    There are four chapels located at different parts of the village. The most acnient chapel is that of Philip the Apostle at "Bende Litharga" to the west of the village. In the olden day there must have been a settlement in the area known as "Bendelitharga". This is witnessed by old Cypriot maps of the period between 1500-1700 a.d. Other evidence is the finding of ancient relics which have been handed over to the musium of antiguity in Nicosia.
      On one of the highest hills of the village, providing a panoramic view, is the chapel at Prophet Elias, built only a few year's ago as a donation by Lefkios Bolivios (diet in car accident in Athens on 19..). Once a year, on 20th July, a church service is held at the chapel.
    Other chapels built outside the village are those of St. Spirithon and St. Baraskevi whose memories are celebrated on 12th December and 26th July respectively.

BENDE LITHARGA/ PHILIP THE APOSTLE MONASTERY

    According to the Russian monk Barsky, who visited Cyprus in the year of 1736, the monastery was then under the auspices of "Trothidissa" monastery.
    The name "Bende Litharga"was taken from the plateau on which the monastery was built. In the olden days there were six huge stones (litharga) five of which were double the size of mill-stone. These "litharga" have been broken up and used for building purpose but the name still remains.
    The monastery was renovated by the archimandrite of Paphos Banaredos in 1773. However, today only the church remains and was renoveted in 1851. The expenses for the chapel's maintenance are met by the Department of Antiguity. On 14th November, every year. hundreds of faithful assemble at the chapel for the holy service conducted by priest and chanters from Omodhos.
    Next to the chapel there is the most ancient laurel tree in Cyprus. It is said that the laurel tree was planted by the ancient Greeks to the chapel of God Apollo, as it was thaught to be sacred. The presence ol laurel trees in Cyprus is not accidental. They have been purposely planted, some of them found in the forecounts of temples and linhed with folk traditions. Consequently, the presence of the laurel tree next to the chapel of Philip the Apostle implies the existence of the God Apollo's temble in this very place.
    The circumference of its trunk is 24 feet, its height 50 feet and it's thought to have been planted a few centuries ago.

THE GREEK SCHOOL  (1796-1918)

    The Greek school of Omodhos was founded towards the end of the 18th century, 1796, by Glimis Asimithis, who taught there until 1808.
    Thositheos was another teacher who taught from 1810 until 1821 when he beheaded by Turks in Nicosia. He was succeded by Hadjinikolaos Spinos from Omodhos who taught until 1850.
    It's worth noting that pupils from many parts of Cyprus attended the school which, incidentaly, catered for boys and girls.
    The school stopped functioning for some time after the sale of the monastery's property which had helped to finance its expenses.
    Later in 1953 a three year high scool was established which later became a fully six year school and has been functioning since the serving the educational needs of the local community and the neighbouring village.

PROMINET PERSONALITIES FROM OMODHOS

THEODOROS NESTORIDES
    Nestorides was born in Omodhos towards the end of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus (first) and became the deacon at the Archibishopic.
    When the Archibishop of Cyprus went to Constantinoble to ask for help, Nestorides went along with him.
    Nestorides, however, after an argument with the Arechibishop, did not return to Cyprus but stayd at Constantinople. He then went to Smyrni where he met a theacher called Mersiny whom he married. The Turkish governor was known to Nestorides and as a result of their friendship the latter was granted permission to establish a primary school. In 1918 he established an elementary and a high school which cost him twenty thousand pounds.
    In 1922, after the destruction of Smyrni by the Turks of Ataturk, Nestorides settled in Athens. With the help of the Prime Minister Blastera he established a high school.
    His son, Nestor, an arcitect by profession, designed the pond of Marathonas. His name appears on a state by the pond.
    The above information concering Theodoros Nestorides was given to me (Kostas) by Athenodoros Ioannides from Omodhos, age 83.

JOHN MODINOS
    John Modinos, a well known baritone, was born at Omodhos in 1927. His parents were Phillipos and Aglaia Elia.
    Simce his early childhood he used to sing in Holy Cross church at Omodhos and his voice was particularly special.
    After he graduated Polydorides High school in Limassol, he studied music with the great Cypriot musician Solon Michaelides. In 1948 he immigrated to United States to live with his uncle John Modinos. There, he continued his studies in music and took place in musical events. Today, he lives in Athens where he's a director of Lyric Stage of Ahens.
P.S. Also his brother Takis have great voice and sang in Church in Astoria, New York and greek halls.

ECONOMOS THOSITHEOS
    A few years before the Greek revolution of 1821 to overthrow the Turkish rule, Thositheos was appointed as one of the clergy at the monastery, of the Holy Cross in Omodhos. He befriended the Turkish governor of Cyprus at the time, Mehmet Koutsiouk, in order to win favours for his fellow citizens. Consequently, they not only respected Thositheos but also considered him as their protector.
    The Greek revolution for indipendence in 1821 had disastrous condequences for Cyprus. On 9th July 1821 the Archbishop Kyprianou, was hanged while the while the bishops were murdered, Thositheos being one of them.
    Recenty the inhabitants at Omodhos have erected a bust of Thositheos at the west entrance to the monastery.

OMODHOS CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIBERATING STRUGGLES OF THE GREEK NATION

    During the 1821 uprising of the Greek nation to overthrow the Turkish rule inhabitants from Omodhos volunteered to fight. Marcos Jeronymos was one of them. He was killed in battle and was burried in Greece.
    When Banaredos B' from Omodhos Became Archbishop of Cyprus (1827-1840) he undertook a secret action towards th island's freedom. On 19th August 1828 he sent a letter to John Kabothistrias, the governor of Greece, demanding "the Union of Cyprus with Greece".  The letter was signed by prominent member of the clergy.
    During the Balcan war of 1912 Greek Cypriont volunteered to the Greek army. Amongst them was John Nannis and Bolivios Basilioy from Omodhos.
    Durning the Greek resistance to Nazi Germany thousands of Greek Cypriots volunteered to serve in the Greek army. Amongst them was Kostas Maliotis,  Evagoras , Gleovoulos Georgiou from Omodhos. Gleovoulos due his astonishing courage and browery he was promoted to a sergeant. He faught in Italy, France, Lybia, Palestene and Egypt. After the war he lived in Australia for a number of years and after return to his beloved village where lived for couple of years and after died.

POPULAR POETS FROM OMODHOS

Demosthenis Louca
    Demosthenis was born in Omodhos around 1867 and worked as a teacher at Bissouri. He wrote many love songs for Baraskevou Badou, a girl with whom he was in love. She was not, however, responding to his emotions, so he decided to leave Bissouri. It is said that he also engaged in painting.

Melis K. Babithes
    He came from Omodhos but lived at the village of Drahipethoula where worked as a farmer.
    In 1927 he published the poem "the description of Amiandos and the userers of Cyprus". He describes with joy the opening of the Amiandos mine had given the opportunity to many people to work and thus keep out of debt, protectin themselves and their property from the hated userers.

George Hadgilias
    He volunteered for the army during the Greek-Bulgarian wars. He served as a soldier of 18th regiment of the 6th divison.
He wrote the poem "the Greek-Bulgarian wars" which was printed in 1913 at "The Athena" printers in Larnaca.

FOLKRORE OF OMODHOS

The "Ngiostra (fight) of the Prince of Cyprus with Erotocritos

    The Prince of Cyprus, Kyprithmos, had his kingdom at the old village of "Koybedra". It was known as "the Kingdom of Bedridi" and was one of the richest and most renowned in the word.
    Kyprithimos was the prince mentioned by the epic poet Vintsenzos Kornaros, in "Erotocrito". Aretousa, the daughter of the King of ancient Athens, Eraclis, fell in love with Erotocritos son of the King's adviser. Since she could not reveal her secret love to her parents she became very unhappy.
    Her's father, could not bear to see his daughter in deep sorrow so he called a constet of the bravest men in order to entertain her. The winner could receive a golden wreath from Aretousas hand. In the final found of the "ngiostra" Kyprithimos faught Erotocritos who won and received the golden wreath from Aretousa. This defeat affected Kyprithimos enormoysly and withdrew to his castle for the rest of his life.

VINEYARD PLANTING

    It was customary that the inhabitants would help one another with the planting at wines, known as "fithgian". After the planting the host would invite the helpers to his house for a celebration. Normally, the host would slaughter a goat for his guests. This was not incedental. It conformed to the old tradition in which the sacrifice of the goat was linked with the worship of Dionysos, the God of wine.
    Superstition plays an important element in the inhabitant's lives. In the summer of 1915 the village was infested with grasshoppers. It's said that the inhabitants confirmed seeing "The Holly Cross" on horseback dispersing the swarm of grasshoppers.

PRODUCE OF OMODHOS

    Omodhos has been known as a wine-growing village. It's said that the Turkish sultan Selim B', after having drunk "Afamis" wine conquered the whole of Cyprus so that he would always have at his disposal wine of Omodhos.
    A variety of grapes are produced, most of which are sold on the open market while some are kept for the production of wine and "zivania", a white spirit of 100% proof.
    Raisins are also produced but in small quantities. Another product is the famous "argatena", ring-shaped dried bread. It's made in large quantities. particularly in the summer and sold all over Cyprus and to the tourist who visit Omodhos every year.
    The villagers produce a grape syrop, "epsima" which is used in many ways in their homes. They also make a winter preserve called "soutshouko" and "kiofterka"which are poduced from grape juice called "palouze".
    Let us see how the make "palouze". The grape juice is poured into the large cauldron and brought up to almast boiling point. Then a handful of "white earth" (marly chalk) is thrown into it to sweeten and bring out some items that not need in the juice and then caldron is taken off the fire and the froth that forms is skimmed off. It's then left to cool and is strained through a cloth and the earth thrown away. The juice is then measured, seven parts juice to one part of flour. The flour is mixed with the juice and then put back onto the fire to boil until it becomes thick jelly. This jelly is the "palouze".
    For "soutshouko", the long strings of nuts are first dipped several times into the "palouze" until the look like sausages. Then they are hung up to dry in the sun. When the are dry - after some days - the "sausages" are cut int six-inch long pieces and kept to the winter.
    After prepaing the "soutshouko", the women fit weted plates and large dishes with the rest of the grape jelly. The jelly on the plates is decoreted with halved nuts and eaten warm or cold. That in the oven dishes is cut, when set, into four-inch long pieces, then the pieces are dried in the sun and kept for the winter. The name for the dried "palouze" is "kiofterka".
    Now "epsima" is made. This is the grape syrup which is used diluted, like lemonade, and also tosweeten various dishes. The fresh grape juice strained and then put onto the fire to boil with a little sscented geranium leaf. When it's almost boiling, the "white earth" is added and it's then taken off the fire and skimmed. The juice is left to cool, strained, then put back onto fire an left to boil down until it reduced to a really thick syrup. The syrup is ready when a little poured ont a saucer will strain it. "Epsima" is stored in demijohns util needed; incidentally is most nourishing and especially good for constipation! It has many different uses, the most common of which is in the making of "tahi". This looks like malt and consist of tahina mixed with some epsima or carob syrup and eaten on bread, when fasting, insead of jam, accompanied by olives. In the vine producing villagew "epsima" is used in the making of many kinds of cakes and pudding - like sweets.

"LINOS" (an ald method of grape pressing)

    The "Linos" in Omodhos is one of the most rare and oldest ways of wine-making to be found in Cyprus. It's housed in a stone-built builting and has been renoveted under the auspices of the Department of Antiquities. The most expense being partly met by the Paraskevaides Foundation and partly by the Cyprus Republic. It has been nominated as an ancient monument as part of our cultural heritage.