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SOURP MAGAR MONASTERY RENOVATION PROJECT
ΕΚΣΤΡΑΤΕΙΑ ΑΝΑΚΑΙΝΙΣΗΣ ΜΟΝΗΣ ΣΟΥΡΠ ΜΑΓΚΑΡ
ՍՈՒՐԲ ՄԱԿԱՐ ՎԱՆՔԻ ՎԵՐԱՆՈՐՈԳՈՒԹԵԱՆ ԱՐՇԱՒ
Global campaign to save Sourp Magar Monastery
from irreversible
deterioration
Executive summary of our campaign
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Why now: Next 12 months are critical to stabilize structure before next winter season or seismic activity
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Goal: Raise €500k to reach the required amount of €1.5m
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Deadlines: 31.07.26 for pledges, 31.10.26 for receipt of funds
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Governance: Strict UNDP procedures will be implemented
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Outcomes: Stabilization of structure, restoration of roofing and chapel, visitor facilities and safe access
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Call To Action: Sign pledge form, share our posts, and refer potential donor names
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 Gomidas Ohanian, Pontifical Vicar to the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus; Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, Representative of the Armenian Community in the Cyprus House of Representatives; Mr. Vahan Aynedjian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Mr. Parsy Zartarian, Member of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus and Mr. Haro Kouyoumdjian, Member of the Church Committee of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Cathedral, Strovolos.
Sourp Magar Monastery (or Magaravank / Մակարավանք), located in the Pentadaktylos (Alevkaya) mountain range in northern Cyprus, was originally founded in 11th century and named after Saint Macarius of Alexandria (otherwise known as Sourp Magar, Saint Makarios, 'Αγιος Μακάριος in Greek, Սուրբ Մակար in Western Armenian, and Սուրբ Մագար in Eastern Armenian). Ownership of the monastery and the surrounding lands passed to the Armenian Church of Cyprus in the 15th century with decrees signed by the ruling Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Click here to an article about the history of the monastery.
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
Progress towards our target to raise €1.5m by the 31st July 2026
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Fund-Raising Target
The estimated budget for the required emergency stabilization and renovation works is about €1.5 million. This amount has to be secured by the 31st July 2026, so there will be enough time for architectural designs, technical plans, and contractor tendering procedures, with the objective for work on the ground to start in early 2027 and finish before the winter season.
Since the start of our campaign, our Committee has secured pledges of financial support from Cypriot and overseas institutions for the amount of €1.0 million, so the current fund-raising objective is to raise the balance amount of €500,000.
The Time For Action Is Now
Over the years, experts from the UNDP Cyprus and other organizations have visited the site and there is a 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 they collapse and cannot be restored.
Our immediate and urgent mission is to raise the required funds to stabilize and renovate this historic site by halting the structural failure, restoring the chapel and rooms, and making the site safe and accessible for pilgrims, visitors and hikers.
UNDP Cyprus and TCCH celebrating the conservation works on St. George of the
Latins in Famagusta, completed in 2025, with support from the EU and the ALIPH Foundation
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 the global fund-raising efforts, our Committee will 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. Restoring the monastery will bring the officially recognised ethnic and religious communities in Cyprus (Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, Maronite, Armenian, and Latin) 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 which will add credibility to our fund-raising efforts.
Proposed Timeline
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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, Stabilization & 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.
Project Partners With Experience
Since 2010 the United Nations Development Programme in Cyprus (UNDP Cyprus) has been working with the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) to preserve the island’s rich religious and cultural heritage with conservation and renovation works on important monuments. The programme is funded by the Republic of Cyprus, European Union, international NGOs and private donors. There are transparent financial procedures to give assurance to donors that funds are used strictly for the intended projects.
The TCCH and its Advisory Board, composed of archaeologists, architects, civil engineers, art historians, and town planners, have many years of experience and expertise with proven results for over 100 monuments across the island.
St Mary's Church of the Armenians (Ganchvor), near the Venetian walls of Famagusta was renovated in 2017-2018, by UNDP Cyprus/TCCH, with funding from the EU.
" We urge stakeholders at every level: government agencies, international organizations, religious institutions, private foundations, and individuals of all backgrounds, to partner with us in any way possible. 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 raise the required amount of €500,000 before the 31st July 2026 deadline set by the Project Manager. "
Vartkes Mahdessian,
Representative of the Armenian Community
in the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus
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 since August 1974, the island is 'de facto' 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 in the latter area which is under the control of a Turkish Cypriot 'administration' which is not recognised internationally. There are checkpoints for crossing between the two areas, with the first opening in April 2003, so there is access to the monastery for visitors and pilgrims.
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
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 , Gibrahayer Social Media pages and Turkish Cypriot travel guides.
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 every year.
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. Click here for more historical background.
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 and religious tourism in northern Cyprus, which aligns with the EU strategy for sustainable development and high value 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 Lusignan, Venetian, Byzantine, 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.
Significance of the medieval architectural design features
The monastery is a rare example of a religious site which blends medieval Armenian and Levantine Gothic influences with traditional Cypriot monastic design. There are two chapels side by side, one built in 1814 and another older one, possibly a surviving part of a medieval chapel. Other features which are very valuable to preserve are the pointed arch windows and a two-story arcaded loggia, which is one the the best preserved example of late-medieval monastic architecture in Cyprus.
Significance of the historic past of the monastery
Over its long history, the monastery has been a summer retreat for clergy from nearby countries and has provided refuge to travelers in times of turmoil. It is believed that Prince Toros of the Kingdom of Cilicia hid there in 1140 AD, and that King Hugh IV of Cyprus found sanctuary in the monastery during the Black Plague of 1348 AD. A rich library of illuminated manuscripts and religious relics stored in the monastery for centuries, was transferred for safekeeping to the Armenian Prelature in Nicosia and the Armenian Catholicosate in Lebanon.
Significance of the Crusader era past of the monastery
During the Crusader period, it is well documented that Cyprus was an important stopover for European pilgrims and knights traveling to and from the Holy Lands. It is highly likely that the monastery's monks hosted European pilgrims and French origin nobles of the Lusignan dynasty, because the Armenian Church belongs to the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches which have friendly relations with the Catholic Church.
For more about the history of the monastery, click HERE.
HELP US SAVE OUR MONASTERY
" With your kind support 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 people of goodwill come together to preserve our shared human heritage.
We humbly request that donors select one the categories of donations below and send the signed Pledge Form before 31st July 2026. Please note funds must be deposited in a special bank account in the name of the Armenian Church of Cyprus by 30th October 2026, and will be used strictly for Sourp Magar Monastery Renovation Project.
Yours prayerfully,
Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian,
Pontifical Vicar to the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Send us a message of support with permission for us to post on our website and social media
Help us by referring individuals, organizations and corporations who may be interested in this campaign.
Follow us in Facebook and Instagram and share our posts and stories
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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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