Item MS-2-744, Box 178, Folder 13, Item 10 - Photograph on Christmas card

Item is a photograph attached to a card. The outside of the card is inscribed “REFLECTIONS Photo by Agamemnon Xenophontos”. The inside of the card is inscribed “This time of the year, a time for joy and festivities, is also a time for recollection of thoughts. It is a time to pause and reflect on the events that had left an impact in our lives; it is a time to pause and reflect on our existence in the world that we live in. Having appreciated that, perhaps we can carry on guided by the wisdom gained. The photograph shows the land in the distance being reflected at dask [sic] in the salt lake near Larnaca. On the right, next to the salt lake amongst the trees, stands the Tékké of Umm Haram, believed to be an aunt of the Prophet Mohammed. While accompanying Arab invaders in 647 A.D., Umm Haram fell from her mule, broke her neck and died. She was buried on the spot. Later, a Mosque was built there in her honour. On the left, on the top of the mountain, stands the Monastery of Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross). It was first built in 327 A.D. by an order of St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine of Byzantium. Having found the Cross on which Jesus was crucified, St. Helena landed in Cyprus on her way back from Jerusalem carrying it with her. According to tradition, St. Helena gave a piece of the Cross to the Monastery. Beauty, peace and harmony reflect all over. To dear Prof Elisabeth, Greetings and Best Wishes for Happiness at Christmas and throughout the New Year. December, 1989. [signature] Agamemnon Xenophontos."