In 1990, when the irrigation department was established in the Pefkoto region, Father Sokratis Papadopoulos, a vicar in the Episcopio from Odou, donated a portion of his land for the construction of the present Prophet Ilias church.

Together with Fr. Andreas Sofroniou (pastor of Odou) and Kostas Chimonas (former community leader of Odou), and with the blessings of the then-Metropolitan of Kitios Chrysostomos, construction of the small chapel began in 1997 with contributions from both the landowners of the area and many other donors. The undertaking was completed in 2006.

The temple is dedicated to the Prophet Ilias, who is revered as a guardian of the weather. The temple’s rhythm is a regal wooden roof. The chapel is situated at an elevation of 1200 metres in a prominent location in the centre of the Odou – Machairas road.

In addition, it is part of the “Girilithkia” nature pathway.

Information

Discover
the spot

Church of Agia Marina

Learn more

The church of Agia Marina in the village of Odou is a modest basilica with a wooden roof, measuring 14.60 by 4.80 metres on the interior. The semicircular arch of the church is inscribed on a linear eastern wall. It has a 3.20-meter string and a 1.60-meter arrow.

Archbishop Chrysanthos inaugurated the church in 1777, as indicated by an inscription on the north wall near the iconostasis, which has been partially covered with lime. However, the church seems to have been constructed earlier. The Agia Marina icon dates back to 1688. The bell tower and the gynaiconitis were both later additions. However, they blend in flawlessly with the building as a whole, adding an additional touch of perfection. It would be grossly negligent of us if, at this juncture, we failed to mention the roof’s intermediate crossings (volitzia), which are among the few with carved geometries.

Also of considerable value is the carved and gilded iconostasis. Its creator, presumably from Constantinople, used simple formations to create a rare artistic iconostasis that contains five icons of Italo-Byzantine art (Jesus, Panagias, Agia Marina, Timiou Prodromou, and Agiou Ioannou tou Theologou).

The iconographer is not listed, but it is highly likely that these icons were created by the renowned iconographer and Agios Herakleidis school graduate Hierodeacon Gabriel.

Information

Discover
the point

Chapel of Prophet Ilias

Learn More

In particular, the primary church of the community, the church of Agia Marina, is available for religious tourism because it is a Department of Antiquities monument. The icon of the Agia Marinas originates from 1688, while the temple was inaugurated in 1777. It is one of the few temples whose intermediate crosses (volitzia) feature engraved geometries and has a wooden roof.