Nicodemus

During the Islamic domination, Bishop Nicodemus kept the Greek episcopal tradition alive in Palermo. The bishop moved to the Church of Santa Domenica Ciriaca, in the Monreale area, which became the last Christian stronghold. When the Normans arrived, Nicodemus was brought back to Palermo to convert the large congregational mosque into a church for Christian worship. These were the foundations of the future Cathedral.