ABOUT THE CHURCH

The exact date(s) of construction of the church complex located in the village of Lefkonoiko/Gecitkale in the Mesaoria plain, is unknown. The existing structure was built over several periods, as was common in the past, with renovations taking place over the years. These different phases can only be partly recognised today since the original walls were either demolished or plastered over, and the phases are not clearly visible. In its present state it is a double aisled church with a projecting chamber at its southwest corner and an arcade along its south side. Preliminary studies of its construction history show that the oldest part is prabably the chamber in the south-west corner which seems to be a Medieval structure. Along the whole width of the west side of the church, there is, on the second level, a gynaikonitis (women’s section) – accessed via a half stone-built, half wooden stairs on the southwest side. The church is built entirely out of stone and the big arch of the south wall is covered with frescoes. A painting of Archangelos Michael, to whom the church is devoted, covers the whole wall of the blind arch.

THE CONSERVATION PROJECT

The main structural interventions aimed at consolidating and stabilising the church in order to return the building, to the maximurm degree possible, to its original state. The church benefited from a major structural consolidation of walls, vaults, arches and dome with some tie rods stitching and extensive injection grouting. The dome was repaired, cracks were bridged with tie rods and filled with grouting. The belfry was consolidated and repaired in situ. The roof of the church was returned to its original barrel shape with repairs and waterproofing. The south portico’s roof was reconstructed. Original doors and windows were restored and/or reconstructed.

A painting of Archangelos Michael, to whom the church is devoted, covers the whole wall of the blind arch. An older fresco was discovered during the works on the intrados of the blind arch of the south wall; repaired and stabilised. This fresco is now visible to the public and protected by a glass case. Inside the church, frescoes were stabilised and protected, the altar repaired, the iconostasis wooden poles restored, as well as the carved wooden floor of the gynaikonitis (women’s section). The floor was retained and missing elements installed.

Externally, perimeter walls were repaired and the missing parts were reconstructed; entrances were gated and access for persons with disabilities was made possible from the gate on the north side of the church. The courtyard was cleaned, graded and compacted for rainwater management. The old school building adjacent to the church was also repaired and a roof was provided,

Hundreds Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and members of the diplomatic community attended the completion event on 12 October 2017.