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| St. Kendeas of Cyprus (Feast Day - October 6) |
Saint Kendeas is presumed to have been one of the 300 Alamanni Saints, who left his native country Germany, and, going to Jerusalem, became a monk. But the Saracens rested not, and compelled the Holy Alamanni to be driven out from the desert. The saints therefore sailed away, and reached the island of Cyprus. At the harbor they separated and each went to their own place of asceticism. Saint Kendeas is said to have gone to the village of Avgorou in Ammochostos (some sources say he first was in Paphos). There he reposed and his relics began to exude and beautiful fragrance and work many miracles for the people.
It was much later that a church and monastery was built near his cave. In 1972 there was only a church there and five or six cells, mostly in ruins. After 1972, the nuns with the help of Saint Kendeas and the Church built new cells, and the monastery again became the source of help for the sick. His Holy Water is there too, which is said to have gushed forth by his prayers while living there.
We celebrate his feast day on October 6th every year. Many of the nuns there, as well as many of the local inhabitants, have seen him. For many years his feast day has been celebrated as a public holiday by the inhabitants of the village of Avgorou. He shows himself to many people who do not know him and he introduces himself to them.
Unfortunately we do not know much else about the life of Saint Kendeas. Often one will encounter more details about his life, but this is because his life has been confused by local Cypriots with that of Saint John of Chozeba, who is commemorated on October 3rd.
There are other churches dedicated to the Saint in Cyprus, such as in Paphos. His sacred relics are kept at Kykkos Monastery.
Testimony of a Miracle of Saint Kendeas
“My name is Margarita Stylianou and I am from Avgorou. My son is 38 and he has a brain tumor. He cannot work because he is too ill. The doctors in Australia told him that he must have surgery. I bought a ticket for Cyprus (because I live in Australia) and came straight to the Monastery of Saint Kendeas, to ask the holy sisters to pray for him.
At night, after the paraklesis, I had a dream that I was in the Monastery garden and that the garden was full of beautiful red tulips. I cut some tulips and made a bouquet. I proceeded to the exit of the monastery with the intention of taking the flowers to my son, but found the door was closed. I turned around and saw Saint Kendeas, dressed in white like a doctor. I said to him, “Doctor, have you finished work?” The saint smiled, opened the door, took the flowers and said still smiling, “The flowers are for me.” I tried to explain to the saint that I cut them for my son but woke up with the saint’s voice saying, “I will see him.”
When it was time for surgery, the doctors could not find the brain tumor which was previously shown on X-rays. It had been removed by Saint Kendeas! With great joy, I scoured Cyprus to find flowers like those in my dream. At last, I found and bought them! Then I presented them to the saint.
Thank you, our Saint, who interceded for my son and made him well.”
Apolytikion in the First Tone
Having hallowed through struggles the Jordan wilderness and the island of Cyprus, you shined upon all through remarkable battles as a fixed star. Therefore, having seen the fullness of your wonders, O God-bearing Kendeas, we lift our voices: Glory to You, O Christ, through him who extols. Glory to You through him who magnifies. Glory to the One who through you heals illnesses for all.
