Church of Saint John the Russian burns down during fire in Cyprus

Burned church of Saint John the Russian. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

A church dedicated to one of the most venerated miracle-workers of the Orthodox Church – Saint John the Russian – was destroyed by fire in the Cypriot village of Vouni (Limassol District), despite the efforts of firefighters.

On July 23, 2025, a massive fire engulfed the village of Vouni. The blaze destroyed dozens of homes – preliminary estimates suggest the number of damaged structures may reach 100. One local resident was hospitalized with severe burns in a Nicosia hospital.

The population was evacuated, and the village remains without electricity, though authorities are attempting to provide power via generators. Firefighters continue to battle the flames. Other affected and evacuated communities include Mallia, Koilani, Pera Pedi, Vasa Koilaniou, and Agios Therapontas.

The destroyed church was located in the southern part of Vouni, on a hilltop about 100 meters from the village’s main church, which is dedicated to the Theotokos. The chapel was consecrated in honor of Saint John the Russian and attracted thousands of pilgrims seeking the intercession of the great saint.

Saint John the Russian lived in the 18th century. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1711, he was taken captive and sold into slavery to a Turkish agha. Through a life of holiness, humility, and love – even toward his enemies – he earned the respect of both Christians and Muslims.

He reposed in 1730, and his incorrupt relics were later transferred to Prokopi (now on the island of Euboea, Greece). Since then, Saint John the Russian has been regarded as one of the most beloved saints in both Greek and Russian Orthodoxy.

Earlier, it was reported that a fire in a Coptic church in Egypt claimed the lives of 40 people, including children.

Read also