Acheritou/Vrysoules
Acheritou/Vrysoules
The settlement of Ayios Georgios Acheritou was formed after the Turkish invasion in 1974, when the inhabitants of Acheritou village were forced to flee their homes. The villages of Acheritou is still occupied but the people that used to live there before 1974, now formed a vibrant community known by the name of Acheritou/Vrysoules, in Famagusta region. The community now is a place of many chapels, churches, cultural events and delicious gastronomy. The newly established Municipal District of Acheritou, now is part of the Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia.
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 the name was 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(in greek achera), as the village has always had farmers. 4) Named by “Acherousia Lake” in mythology.
According to recent history of the area, 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 brought 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 in Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Agios Georgios Chapel
The chapel of Ayios Georgios is located to the east of Acheritou at a distance of 3-4 kilometers. It is a small single-aisled Byzantine-style church with a dome. It dates back to the 15th-16th century. It is located in the geographical zone of Frenaros, but the entire area was granted for the creation of the present Refugee Settlement which bears the name “Ayios Georgios Acheritou”. The small church is located at the northern end of the settlement. When the old settlement of Ayios Georgios was destroyed in the middle of the 16th century, the icons were transferred to Acheritou.
Ayios Demetrios Church
It is the main church of the refugee settlement Ayios Georgios Acheritou-Vrysoulles. Located in the centre of the community where after the Turkish invasion a small church was build. Ayios 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 Demetrios there are relics from the church of the now occupied Acheritou. There are icons of Ayios Georgios (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 Ayios 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 Ascention in Acheritou.
Monument in Memory of Mother of Missing
& Dead Person
This Monument was created by artist Andreas Terentis and is located on the main road of Ayios Georgios settlement, opposite Vrisoules-Aheritou elementary school in Famagusta region. It is made by marble and an exact copy of the statue is used for the memorial dedicated to the Cypriot mother at Aradippou village and for Kallipatira statue at Perivolia village, both of them in Larnaka district. All three are made by the same sculptor.
The monument was created as a token of honor to the people of the community who gave their lives for the freedom of Cyprus and to the mothers of dead and missing persons.
Panayia Soumela Church
The church is located in the yard of the Primary School of the Acheritou/Vrysoules community. The church was constructed on the initiative of the Panayia Soumela Student Friendship Association.
In July 1976, students from the association were hosted for 22 days, free of charge, at the Panayia Soumela hostels in Thessaloniki, under the care of Pontic ladies from Thessaloniki.
The construction of the church was supported by Father Vasileios, the church committee, and many donors and faithful, who contributed voluntary work and donations.
Key Dates:
November 14, 1999: Foundation stone was laid.
August 15, 2000: Opening ceremony (Thyranoixia) conducted by Protopresbyter Father Vasileios.
November 5, 2000: Consecration performed by the Chorepiscopus of Salamis, Mr. Varnavas.
Celebration:
The church is celebrated annually on August 15.
Significance:
The church represents a community-driven project, symbolizing the collaboration of the local community with the Pontic Greek diaspora.
It stands as a focal point for religious life, education (adjacent to the school), and cultural memory in Acheritou–Vrysoules.