According to tradition, the icon was painted by Apostle Luke. Its name “Kykkiotisa” was originated from Mount Kykkos, located on the island of Cyprus. The sacred image was kept in the emperor’s chamber in the cathedral, which was built in honor of this very icon.

Before its appearance on the island, by God’s providence, the image was wandering across the world for a long time. At first it was kept by the first Christian communities in Egypt. Later it was brought to Constantinople, where it was kept until emperor Alexios I Komnenos came to power (the beginning of 11th – the end of 12th century). At that time an elder by the name of Isaiah, who lived in Cyprus, had a vision, in which he was told that the sacred image of Kykkos painted by Apostle Luke would come back to Cyprus with his help.

The Elder did his best to fulfill the divine revelation.