After two-year’s of research, Canadian-Greek Cypriot author Andreas C Chrysafis has published Aphrodite’s Sacred Virgins.
The story takes place on the island of Cyprus. Set around 40-50 AD and based on historical events it vividly depicts events surrounding the demise of an ancient cult of idolatry and the rise of a Messiah called Jesus, professed to be the Anointed One.
Readers are transported into the ancient world with its thriving Hellenic/Roman culture of the Mediterranean island.
The birthplace of Aphrodite on the shore of Petra tou Romiou in Cyprus has inspired ancient and modern writers, sculptors and artists for centuries. Aphrodite Urania goddess of fertility, beauty and love portrays the most beautiful woman ever born to mystify males and females alike. Her mesmerising image is infused with the landscape where she gracefully materialises out of the land and foam of the azure sea.
The book reveals relatable characters throughout the story the likes of Old – Stratos, obsessed on bedding Legia at the prime of her youth, and Paulus Sergius, the first Roman Consul facing Jewish uprisings on the island.
The book also portrays the introduction of the Christian faith by missionaries St. Barnabas and Paul of Tarsus attempting to convert Jews and Gentiles into a cult riddled with hostility.
It is an inspiring novel that illustrates slavery, debauchery and rivalry between religious cults that pose a threat to Aphrodite Urania’s worship.
The novel delves into a dutiful culture where women offer themselves for ritualistic sexual acts with a stranger during Aphrodite’s Spring Festival in reverence to the goddess and a Black Conical Stone at the Sanctuary of Nikokleia in Paphos.
Aphrodite’s Sacred Virgins transports the reader into a bygone era of intrigue; a cunning thievery by the terrible twins and a geriatric lust for Legia – a goddess herself and the most famous hetaera of all times.
Chrysafis’ novel is an adventure filled with historical revelations but also a story that deals with the first Council of Jerusalem and the Dispersion of the Apostles.
Find the book here: www.amazon.com