The Russian trail on the Cypriot coast: a new book in Greek has been received in the libraries of Cyprus

The Russian Center for Science and Culture in Nicosia received today the authors of the book “The Russian Footprint on the Cypriot Coast” Valery and Natalia Zykov, who donated copies of the latest edition of the book, now in Greek, to the library of the RCSC.

This event has a special cultural and historical significance: for the first time, a fundamental work on the centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties between Russia and Cyprus becomes available to a wide Cypriot reader in his native language.

About the book

The Zykovs’ work is the result of many years of research work, including dozens of expeditions around the island, work with archival documents, monastic chronicles, chronicles and testimonies of Russian pilgrims from different centuries.

The book presents:

• the story of the first Russian pilgrim of the 12th century, Abbot Daniel, who left an early description of the Cypriot shrines;

• a detailed analysis of the travels of Vasily Grigorovich-Barsky, whose notes and drawings are still used by Cypriot restorers; 🎨

• materials about Russian diplomats, missionaries, pilgrims and exiles whose fate was connected with Cyprus;

• Rare evidence of Russian-Cypriot cultural contacts of the 11th–20th centuries; 📜

• Description of the Enotita Unity festival and the installation of a memorial sign on Stavrovuni (1106-2006) dedicated to the 900th anniversary of Abbot Daniel’s pilgrimage.

The book became a significant contribution to the preservation of historical memory, its publication was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Educational Center in Cyprus.

The special role of translation

The authors also expressed their deep gratitude to the Russian Center for Science and Culture for their help in organizing the publication and emphasized that it is the translation into Greek that allows the book to fulfill its main purpose of becoming a bridge between Russian culture and Cypriot society.

The translation was performed by the teachers of the OMC Pioneer, edited by Neophytos Philippides. It is important to note that the work on the text was not a formal translation, but a deep cultural adaptation, taking into account the historical context, theological terminology and peculiarities of local perception. The translation team has done a great job, not only linguistically, but also research, comparing numerous historical sources, toponyms, names of monasteries and saints. 🏺

Thanks to their work, the book sounds natural, careful and respectful in Greek, which made it accessible to the Cypriot reader. 🙌

Transfer of books to libraries in Cyprus

The first copies have already been transferred to the National Library of Cyprus, as well as to the library of the RCSC, where the book will take pride of place in the section of Russian-Cypriot cultural relations. 📚🏛️

In the coming days, copies will be transferred to the island’s city and monastery libraries, thus the book will become part of the cultural space of Cyprus and will be available to researchers, students, clergy and anyone interested in the history of Orthodoxy, Russian-Cypriot relations and cultural heritage.

The value of work

This edition is not just a book. It is an act of cultural service, the return of memory, the unification of two peoples through knowledge, history and respect for common spiritual roots.

The Russian Center for Science and Culture in Cyprus highly appreciates the work of the authors and all those involved, and will continue to support projects that strengthen humanitarian ties between Russia and Cyprus. 🤝

@roscentrecy