Poised on a rock, Saint Athanasius Kourkouri observes Athens. This small church has witnessed history unfold from its elevated site. Its presence is a testament to faith.
Saint Athanasius Kourkouri stands near the Thision subway station. It is on Eptachalkou Street. The location itself is steeped in history. In antiquity, this rock was a place of worship. A statue of the hero Chalkodon once stood here.
The origin of the name Saint Athanasius Kourkouri is debated. The older name was Kourkouris. It may derive from the original owner of the chapel. Another theory suggests the name comes from the church’s location. It seems to be roosting on the rock. Dimitrios Kambouroglou even described it as a vulture roosting.
This small church is only 2.50 x 5 meters. It is a tile-roofed basilica with a single nave. Saint Athanasius Kourkouri dates back to the post-Byzantine era. It was likely built during Ottoman rule by an Athonite monk. The tradition linking it to Saint Athanasius the Athonite of the 10th century lacks evidence.
The north and south sides each feature a blind arch. Later, the north arch was opened. An addition was built on the left side. The Holy Bema is elevated by one tier. The floor coating is much more recent.
Originally, Saint Athanasius Kourkouri was dedicated to Athanasius the Great. He was the Patriarch of Alexandria. After a larger church was erected, this small chapel honored Saint Athanasius the Athonite. Its feast day is celebrated on July 5th.
Saint Athanasius, the Great Patriarch of Alexandria, was a pillar of Orthodoxy. He was born around 297 in Alexandria. Athanasius came from a family of pious Christians. He received a fine education and diligently studied Holy Scripture.
As a child, Athanasius became known to Patriarch Alexander. Athanasius and other Christian children baptized pagan playmates. The young Athanasius acted as bishop. He precisely repeated the words of the sacrament. Patriarch Alexander saw this and determined the baptism was valid.
As a deacon, Athanasius accompanied Patriarch Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325. Athanasius refuted the heresy of Arius. His speech was approved by Orthodox Fathers. Arians persecuted him for the rest of his life.
After Patriarch Alexander’s death, Athanasius was chosen as his successor. He initially refused. He felt unworthy. But the Orthodox populace insisted. He became bishop at twenty-eight.
Saint Athanasius guided the Church for forty-seven years. He endured persecution and grief. Several times, he was expelled from Alexandria. He hid from Arians in desolate places. They repeatedly tried to kill him. Athanasius spent over twenty years in exile. He continued to defend the Orthodox Faith. He wrote against the Arian heresy.
Emperor Julian the Apostate persecuted Christians. He targeted Athanasius. Julian intended to kill the saint. He wanted to strike a blow to Christianity. But Julian soon perished himself.
After Julian’s death, Saint Athanasius guided the Alexandrian Church for seven years. He died in 373 at the age of seventy-six.
Many works of Saint Athanasius have been preserved. These include Orations against the Arian heresy and Epistles about the Holy Spirit. He also wrote commentaries on Holy Scripture and a biography of Saint Anthony the Great.
Saint John Chrysostom advised every Orthodox Christian to read Saint Anthony’s life.
The memory of Saint Athanasius is celebrated on January 18 with Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Saint Athanasius Kourkouri stands as a reminder of his legacy. It is a place of worship and historical significance.