Saint Neophytos was born in 1134 in the Lefkara region and is known as the author of religious works and historical chronicles. In 1159, Neophytos settled north of Paphos, in a small cave, where for two and a half months he spends all his time in tireless prayers and labors to equip the cell. With his own hands, Neophytos gradually turned his dwelling into a church, cutting out additional rooms in the rock. This church was built in honor of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. Here the saint worked and slept, using a dug grave instead of a trestle bed, as a constant reminder of the frailty and finiteness of earthly existence. So eleven years passed. The fame of Neophytos the Recluse spread throughout Cyprus, and gradually monks began to flock to him, deciding to become his followers. Additional cells appeared, and in 1170 a monastery arose near Mount Melissovuno.
In 1197 Saint Neophytos cut out a new cell for himself and, striving for solitude, left his former dwelling. The saint died in 1214 and was buried in a grave he had prepared for himself. Over the years, his grave was lost, and only by a lucky chance, the relics were discovered in 1750. They were moved to the main church of the monastery; the skull was placed in a silver shrine, and the relics in a wooden sarcophagus.

Twice a year, on January 24, on the Day of Sedation and on September 28, on the day of the Finding of the Saint's relics, solemn liturgies and folk fairs are held here in memory of the great Cypriot saint.