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ՍՈՒՐԲ ՄԱԳԱՐ ՎԱՆՔԻ ՎԵՐԱՆՈՐՈԳՈՒԹԵԱՆ ԱՐՇԱՎ
SOURP MAGAR MONASTERY RENOVATION PROJECT
Global campaign to save Sourp Magar Monastery
from irreversible
deterioration
ABOUT US
The Sourp Magar Monastery Renovation Committee (SMMRC), is an ad-hoc committee created by the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church of Cyprus in January 2026, with the blessing of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, the spiritual leader of the Armenian Diaspora. The sole mission of the committee is to advocate and fund-raise for the conservation and renovation of this historic monastery.
The committee members are Archbishop Komitas, Vicar General of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cyprus; Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, Representative of the Armenian Community in the Cyprus House of Parliament; Mr. Vahan Aynedjian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Mr. Parsegh Zartarian, Member of the UN Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus; and Mr. Haro Kouyoumdjian, Member of the Church Committee of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Cathedral, Strovolos.
Sourp Magar Monastery, located in the Pentadaktylos (Alevkaya) mountain range in northern Cyprus, was originally founded in 11th century and named after the Coptic Saint Macarius of Alexandria (otherwise known as Sourp Magar, Saint Makarios, or 'Αγιος Μακάριος). Ownership of the monastery and the surrounding lands passed to the Armenian Church of Cyprus in the 15th century with several decrees signed by the ruling Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
The monastery is a much loved place of prayer and pilgrimage by Armenians living in Cyprus and overseas and valued as special historical and cultural site by Greek and Turkish Cypriots and the global Christian community.
After its forced abandonment in August 1974, this historic religious and cultural heritage monument has been exposed to the elements and acts of vandalism. Today it is in ruins with collapsing walls and roofs. With every winter season, the damage increases and there is high risk of irreversible destruction if emergency stabilization works are not carried out.
OUR MISSION
The Time Is Now
Over the years, experts from the UNDP Cyprus and other organizations have visited the site and there is a general consensus that immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the structures before irreparable damage occurs. Emergency works on the masonry, supporting arches and wooden beams has to be carried out before it is too late.
Our immediate and urgent mission is to raise the required funds to activate and revive this historic site by halting the structural failure, restoring the chapel and rooms, and making the site safe and accessible for pilgrims and visitors.
Stakeholder Alignment
The SMMRC is committed to work with the Project Manager for the Renovation Project, which is the UNDP Cyprus in cooperation with the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage of Cyprus (TCCH), to navigate the political, logistical, and financial challenges of this important renovation project.
In parallel to our fund-raising efforts, we will inform and seek support from relevant stakeholders such as religious leaders in Cyprus and overseas, cultural heritage organizations in Cyprus and overseas, and non-government organizations (NGOs), companies and academics from all communities in Cyprus.
Coalition Of Supporters
Sourp Magar’s renovation will save a priceless medieval site and serve as a powerful message for peace building in Cyprus and the Middle East. We believe that reviving the monastery will bring Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites and Armenians closer together by emphasizing the shared history on the island, and can have a positive impact for religious freedom, cultural tourism, and inter-communal dialogue. For this reason, we intend to reach out to embassies and international organizations to highlight these benefits and request letters of support and add credibility to our fund-raising efforts.
Proposed Timeline
-
Jan-Jun 2026, Planning & Fund-raising
Reach out to stakeholders and potential donors, engage with TCCH and UNDP Cyprus, solicit support from other churches, heritage NGOs and embassies
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Apr-Dec 2026, Designs & Project Initiation
Fund-raising events and site visits, sign donor agreements and pledges, revise technical designs, prepare tenders, secure permissions from local authorities, and award contracts for the works.
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Jan-Sep 2027, Stablization & Renovation
Prepare site, install supports and roof covering and stabilize structure, rebuild walls and roofs, restore chapel, rooms, and visitor amenities, install signage, make the site safe for visitors
Fund-Raising Target
The estimated budget for the required emergency stabilization and renovation works is about €1.8 million. Ideally, this amount has to be secured by the 31th July 2026, so there will be enough time for architectural designs, technical plans, and tendering procedures, with the target for work on the ground to start in early 2027.
Our Committee has secured pledges of financial support from the Government of Cyprus and other institutions for the amount of €1.0 million, so our current campaign objective is to raise the balance of €800,000.
A Beacon of Faith and Reconciliation
We urge stakeholders at every level: government agencies, international organizations, religious institutions, private foundations, and individuals of all backgrounds, to partner with us in our mission. Your support through funding, expertise, or advocacy, is critical to our success. Join us and become part of a historic effort to turn the tide for Sourp Magar from decay to revival. We have a solid plan, growing momentum, and strong public awareness, but we must act swiftly to meet the deadlines for fund-raising.
We believe that together we can make Sourp Magar Monastery a beacon of faith and reconciliation for generations to come, and a shining example of what can be achieved when we answer the call to preserve our shared human heritage.
RECENT EVENTS
Monastery Location and Political Background
All of the island of Cyprus entered the European Union in May 2004, but according to Protocol 10 of Act of Accession, it was acknowledged that 'de facto' the island is divided into two areas: one area under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus and another area not under the effective control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Sourp Magar monastery is located in the latter area which is not under the control of the Government and is under the control of a Turkish Cypriot 'administration' which is not recognised internationally.
Previous Renovation Project
In 2018-2019, the UN sponsored Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage of Cyprus in cooperation with the UNDP Cyprus, conducted a professional feasibility study of the monastery. Based on this study, an emergency stabilization project was initiated in 2020. Site clearance and preparations started soon and shoring up of some collapsing sections. Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic and contractual disagreements, by mid 2020 the project was abandoned and there has been no work done on the site since then, leaving the monastery still in ruins.
By the end of 2019, contractors with the required qualifications and experience were invited to bid. UNDP Cyprus, as the project manager, appointed the contractor in early 2020 and site clearance and preparations started soon. Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic and contractual disagreements, by mid 2020 the project was abandoned and there has been no work done on the site since then.
Scan the QR or click HERE to read the Terms of Reference for the 'Sourp Magar Monastery Rehabilitation and Conservation Design' which has announced in 2018
Scan the QR or click HERE to read the Press Announcement about the Conservation Works to start early 2020.
Groundwork has been done
The good news is that a lot of the necessary groundwork such as architectural surveys and engineering studies have been done. What is needed now is to revise them and call for new tenders.
The monastery is literally on the verge of collapse in many places, and experts agree that the next 12–18 months are critical for intervention. We need to stabilize the structures before another rainy winter or an unforeseen seismic jolt causes irreparable damage.
In late 2019, UNDP Cyprus and Co-Chairmen of TCCH, made detailed presentation of the planned Sourp Magar Monastery Conservation Works to members of the Diocesan Council and Executive Committee of the Armenian Church of Cyprus.
We acknowledge that all rights for the above images belong to UNDP Cyprus and the appointed architects for the project: Lordos Architects
MONASTERY TODAY
Call To Action
As one can see, the site is now in ruins and in need of urgent stabilization works before there is irreversible destruction. Saving Sourp Magar Monastery is more than a construction project. It is an investment in hope, unity, and cultural resilience. Restoring this ancient monastery will restore a sense of continuity and dignity to a cherished piece of Cyprus’s multicultural history and will become a powerful testament that after decades of division and neglect, people of goodwill can come together to reclaim their shared heritage. The restored monastery will provide tangible benefits, serving as a destination for pilgrims and visitors and be a catalyst for sustainable rural development in the surrounding region.
Sourp Magar Monastery, located in the Pentadaktylos mountain range, is now a popular site for hikers and tourists from all over the world. Evidence of this are many posts in Google Maps and Gibrahayer Social Media pages.
In this section, we have a selection of photographs shared by Nikolas Christou who visited the site in the summer of 2025.
HISTORICAL &
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Significance for Armenian Cypriots and the Armenian Diaspora
In medieval times, Sourp Magar Monastery, was a spiritual site with resident Armenian monks meditating, writing and offering a safe-haven for travelers to the Holy Lands and Jerusalem. In early 20th century, it was an orphanage and temporary home for Armenian refugees escaping massacres in Cilicia (Asia Minor). In later years until 1974, it was a popular place for Armenian Cypriots for weekend visits and picnics, family gatherings for baptisms and marriages, and the annual feast of Sourp Magar (Saint Magar) which was on the first Sunday of May
Significance for the Republic of Cyprus
During the British colonial period (1878-1960) and after the independence of the island, historians and cultural heritage experts recognize and appreciate the monument's unique medieval gothic masonry and Lusignan-era legends. Among others, it is believed that King Hugh IV sought refuge here in the year 1348 AD. The monument was included in the Republic of Cyprus Schedule B Monuments list in 2016, reinforcing the narrative of the country's rich multi-cultural, multi-religious heritage and the Government's political and financial support for the Renovation Project.
Significance for the Turkish Cypriot Community
The monastery (Ermeni Manastırı in Turkish) is also known as ‘Mavi Manastır’ (Blue Monastery) because of its blue painted doors and windows during the Ottoman period. The Armenian community enjoyed good relations with the Sultan and his representatives, as proven by Ottoman era tax-exempt firmans issued in the years 1642-1701. The monastery once renovated and made safe for visitors has the potential to be one of the flagship sites for cultural tourism in northern Cyprus, which aligns with the EU strategy for sustainable development and high value cultural tourism
Significance for the Global Christian Community
This historical monastery belongs to the Armenian Church of Cyprus, but at the same time it is a rare standing witness to Coptic, Armenian, Crusader-era and Ottoman history. For centuries, it was an important stop-over in pilgrimage route from Western Europe to the Eastern Mediterranean, and was well-known by Christian religious leaders, European royalty, crusaders, medieval historians and travel writers.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
TO SAVE THE MONASTERY
Dear friends, join us and become part of a historic effort to turn the tide for Sourp Magar from decay to revival.
We have a solid plan, growing momentum, and strong public awareness, but we must act swiftly to meet the deadlines for fund-raising. We believe that together we can make Sourp Magar Monastery a beacon of faith and reconciliation for generations to come, and a shining example of what can be achieved when we answer the call to preserve our shared human heritage.
There are six categories of donations you can. We kindly request that you complete the Pledge Form and send to us before the deadline of 31st July 2026. If there are any questions, please reach out to us by email to: info@armenianmonasterycyprus.org
Patron of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €100,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by His Holiness Aram I, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
Donor names will be displayed in the Monastery, printed publications, websites, and social media pages.
Benefactor of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €50,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by His Holiness Aram I, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
Donor names will be displayed in the Monastery, printed publications, websites, and social media pages.
Guardian of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €25,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by His Holiness Aram I, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
Donor names will be displayed in the Monastery, printed publications, websites, and social media pages.
Sponsor of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €10,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by Archbishop Komitas, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
Donor names will be displayed in printed publications and websites.
Friend of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €5,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by
Archbishop Komitas, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
Donor names will be displayed in printed publications and websites.
Supporter of Sourp Magar Monastery
Donors over €5,000 will receive a letter of appreciation signed by
Archbishop Komitas, and an icon and prayer of Saint Magar.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ?
Send us a message of support with permission for us to post on our website and social media
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A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
Help us by referring individuals, organizations and corporations who may be interested in this campaign.
REFER POSSIBLE SUPPORTERS
Click on the 'Donate' button to see our bank SEPA/SWIFT details and IBAN number
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OR PLEDGE TO DONATE!
Angel of God Night Prayer by St.Macarius of Egypt
'Holy angel, to whose care this poor soul and wretched body of mine have been given, do not cast me off because I am a sinner, do not hold aloof from me because I am not clean. Guide me by your influence on my mortal body. Take my limp hand and bring me to the path that leads to salvation. Forgive every deed of mine that has offended you. Protect me during the coming night and keep me safe from the Evil Enemy. Intercede for me with the Lord and ask him to make me fear him and enable me to give him the service his goodness deserves.
Amen.'
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