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St Mamas (yortu Sehidi) Martyr

The first church was built in Byzantine style, although it was rebuilt during the Middle Ages in the Gothic style. Further changes took place during 18th century when the large central dome was added. The monastic buildings were also erected in 18th century but a number of capitals and column here are from the former church.One traditional suggest that during the 12 th century Mamas, a Cypriot hermit, could not pay his taxes, so soldiers were deployed to bring him to the capital for punishment. En-route, the group witnessed a lion with his eye on a lamb for lunch. Without hesitation, the legend says, Mamas saved the lamb, took it in his arms and entered the capital city on the back of the lion.

This so impressed the The Byzantine authorities that they released the hermit from his obligations; ever since, St. Mamas has been regarded as the protector of tax avoiders. Is this why there are thirteen other churches in Cyprus dedicated to the saint?Another tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church suggests a different version of the St Mamas story. This tells of Mamas being born in the third century in Paphalagonia in Asia Minor to well known Christian parents, Theodotos and Rufina, both of whomhad been imprisoned by the Roman authorities for their then illegal confession of the Christian Faith. Whilst in prison, Theodots predeceased the birth of his son, and his wife died soon after the birth. The infant was placed in the care of a Christian widow called Ammia, who cared for Mamas and provided for his education and ensy-ured a Christian upbringing.As a fifteen year old, his pious example and preaching of the Gospel soon came to the attention of the Roman authorities.

He was arrested and broght before the Governor who sought to persuade him to change his ways, then he dispatched him to the Roman Emperor, Aurelian(270-275) for further ‘consideration’. The Emperor also failed to persuade Mamas to deny Christ and to worship the Emperor’s gods, which meant he suffered more imprisonment and harsh punishment.However, Mamas managed to escape to the mountains where he led a monastic existence of prayer and fasting. It was during this time that he discovered an influence over his surroundings and on the fauna of the forest wilderness, to whom he preached the Gospel, similar to his famous successor, St. Francis of Assisi.Mamas reputation spread throughout the region and he again came to the attention of the Roman governor who promptly ordered his arrest. According to one account, Mamas volunteered himself to the authorities, accompanied by a lion. This version suggests that the Roman authorities were not impressed by this gesture, so he was arrested, imprisoned and beaten which ended when he was ‘offered’ to the lions. He emerged from the ‘lion’s den’ unharmed but was then struck and wounded by a pagan priest wielding a trident. He escaped to a cave where he died of his injuries around the year 275 AD. News of Mamas martyrdom spread throughout Asia Minor where, according to the practice of the practice of the Early Church, he was beatified as Saint by Pope St. Basil the Great. As was usual in those times, the deeds of saints and martyrs were enhanced by pious legend, perhaps exaggeration, hence two versions of St Mamas martyrdom. The image of St. Mamas on the lion’s back seeks to remind Christians in a symbolic manner of the theology of the Eastern Church regarding the creation and man’s place in it.In St. Mamas Church, the icons which make up the upper part of the screen are carved of wood and painted in blue and gold, are an exquisite example of late 16th century wood carving. The lower part is carved of marble and features figs, grapes and acorns, together with Venetian shield, which once displayed their coats of arms, featuring their symbol, a lion!The marble tomb of St. Mamas which has survived must have been part of the early Byzantine Church. The sarcophagus contains two holes from which, it is claimed, a balm to protect eyes and ears from infection, oozes; it is said that the balm also calmed stormy seas and is mot an uncommon feature in other Byzantine churches, viz ‘ the sweating stones’.

The Church of St Mamas at Guzelyurt is open to the public every day from 08,30 hrs to 17.00 hrs. occasionally, Greek Orthodox Priests visit St Mamas to preside over Mass, especially to celebrate Christian Feast Days, especially at Easter.

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