Destinations
Vrysoules Village
Vrysoules Village
Acheritou is a village in the Famagusta district. Located less than ten kilometers west of Famagusta and adjacent to the British Bases of Saint Nicholas or “four miles” as many call them. The village is situated geographically where Kokkinohoria end and the plain of Mesaoria begins.That is why the ground presents a variety of rocks of various geological periods-before the Pliocene 7 to 2 million years ago, in the east of the village Pleistocene between 1.7 million and 10.000 years as the Holocene ie last geological period of the history of the earth, 10.000 years ago until today. During the Turkish invasion of 1974 was occupied by the Turks on 31/8/1974. For the name of the village there is no specific credible version, documented in any way. At times however, the following has been said: 1) Nearchus Clerides in his book “Villages and State of Cyprus” writes that associated with the Phoenician name of Venus “Ashera”. 2) Comes from the name of a feudal lord named Acheron or a woman without hands which dwelt in the village. 3) Probably named after the great hay production, as the village has always had farmers. 4) Named by “Acherousia Lake” mythology. Further south is the current District St. George Acheritou where many people from Acheritou and refugees from the surrounding villages were installed. After the tragic events of 1974, many residents of Acheritou took refuge in SEDIGEP packing plant which is in the S.B.A area. A group of volunteers from Acheritou with danger to their lives took two vans and went to Acheritou where they took all school equipment, desks, chairs, books etc and bought them back to SEDIGEP. A temporary school was set up with the help of the minister of education and refugee volunteers. Later in 1976-1977, most people moved to the refugee Community of Ayios Georgios Vrysoulles as it was first named. Other went abroad and others places in the south of the island.The residents before the invasion were mainly farmers and agriculture. Over the years many resident now work in the tourist industry as hotel employees.
Agios Georgios Chapel
The Chapel of Ayios Georgios is located north of the community. It is a small chapel with nave Byzantine dome.Built in the 15th-16th century. Located in the geographical zone Frenaros, but ceded the entire region, to create today the refugee settlement named “St. George Acheritou.” When destroyed the old town of St. George in the 16th century, icons were transferred to Acheritou. Open during the feast day of St. George, on April 23, where many believers attend a pilgrimage.
Agios Georgios Church
It is the main church of the parish of the refugee settlement Ayios Georgios Acheritou-Vrysoulles. Located in the centre of the community where after the Turkish invarsion a small church was build. St.Demetrios was build in 1988 it is a standard three aisle vaulted basilica. It was consecrated by the late Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos A on the 24th September 1989. The interior has been painted by the Serbian Vladivir Milits and a small section by the Kepola Brothers and donations were also made by the innabitants of the Community. In the church of Ayios Demetriou there are relics from the church of the now occupied Acheritou. There are icons of St.Georgiou (16th Century). The Vigin Mary (second half of 18th Century) smaller icons of the resurrection and the birth of Christ (19th century) silver chalice, bibles books and a silver cross (1912). The church celebrates on the 26th October the name day of St.Demetrios. The church also celebrates Ascention day (40 days after Easter) before the invarsion in 1974 the celebration took place in the church of the Assention in Acheritou.
Monument in Memory of Mother of Missing
& Dead Person
As a token of honor to the people of the community who gave their lives for the freedom of Cyprus, the community Acheritou has erected a monument in honor of the mother of dead and missing person. The monument Mother Killed and Missing is opposite the Primary School.