The Church of Saint Raphael in Pachyammos, is situated just round the headland from Pomos, along the beautiful coast road from Agarka. This is the famous church of miracles – the name Raphael means ‘God has healed’ – and it is here that hundreds of pilgrims come from all over Cyprus to pray to the saint in the hope of being healed.
An imposing structure, the Church of St Raphael is relatively new, having been built in the late eighties to replace the tiny white washed church still standing just a few metres distant. Its setting is absolutely perfect, hanging limpet like on the rocks with stunning views of the surrounding seascape. Inside bold, bright wall paintings illustrating biblical stories cover every available inch of wall and ceiling space.
In one corner rests a collection of discarded walkers, crutches, leg braces, and sticks abandoned by those whose prayers for a cure have indeed been answered.
