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Assumption Day: Panagia Kataphygiotissa Church Opens on Holiday Despite Objections
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Assumption Day: Panagia Kataphygiotissa Church Opens on Holiday Despite Objections

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A church dedicated to Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Palaia Fokaia, Greece, reopened on the Assumption Day holiday despite objections from the Church.
  • The church's interior features unique frescoes by artist Dimitris Mytaras, whose non-traditional style reportedly caused the Church's initial objections.
  • Residents have long requested the church's reopening for sacraments and are seeking government protection for the artwork due to environmental threats.

In Palaia Fokaia, Greece, the Panagia Kataphygiotissa church, known for its avant-garde frescoes by artist Dimitris Mytaras, reopened its doors on the Assumption Day holiday. This reopening occurred despite objections from the Church hierarchy, which had previously prohibited religious services within its walls.

The church, located on the Athens-Sounio highway, marks 29 years since its creation. Mytaras, a renowned Greek painter, spent nine months creating the interior frescoes. He did not seek payment for his work, but his artistic choice to deviate from strict Byzantine iconography reportedly sparked controversy with the local Metropolis.

I am not an icon painter, but I will not do anything blasphemous.

— Dimitris MytarasChristos Kaloumenos, former president of the 'Poseidon' Beautification Association, recalling Mytaras's words when he agreed to paint the church.

Residents have persistently advocated for the church's reopening, not only for general visitors but also for religious ceremonies like weddings and baptisms. They are also urging the Ministry of Culture to safeguard Mytaras's artwork. The proximity to the sea poses a threat, with humidity and salt air potentially damaging the unique paintings.

In 2024, a restoration project for the church and its surroundings began, funded by a donation from the Athanasios and Marina Martinou Foundation. This initiative aims to preserve the site and its artistic treasures, ensuring its survival against environmental challenges and historical disputes.

It is a prayer I always owed, if there is a God, it is in here.

— Dimitris MytarasA message left by Mytaras on a sign within the church, which reportedly also caused offense to some within the Church.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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