“Manly, brave.” That’s what the name Andrew means in Greek. Here at Agias Filotheis street stands Agios Andreas. It is a church with a story deeply intertwined with Athens’ history. This church is not just a place of worship. It is a monument linked to Agia Filothei. She was an important Athenian figure during the Turkish occupation.
Agios Andreas seems to have been founded in the early Christian centuries. Around 1550, it was renovated. It became the main church of the monastery founded by Agia Filothei. She hailed from the aristocratic Benizelos family. After becoming a widow young, she founded the Agios Andreas monastery. It became known as the Parthenon. It offered refuge to young poor women. They received training in arts. They were not obligated to become nuns.
Besides tidy cells, it housed a nursing home. It also had an orphanage and a hospital. Until 1821, the saint’s underground hermitage survived. Her loom is preserved under the present church floor. In 1834, Athens became the capital. The area became barracks under state jurisdiction. In the late 19th century, the metropolitan of Athens, Germanos Kalligas, built the archiepiscopal mansion here. He also built the present-day Agios Andreas church.
Originally, the monastery was П-shaped. At its center was the basilica of Agios Andreas. Today’s church is a three-aisle basilica. Its interior follows the Byzantine style of a four-columned church. The dome rests on four columns. Tassos Margaritov restored its paintings in 1999. Icons from the old church’s screen survive at the Byzantine Museum of Athens. These are works by Emmanuel Tzanes from 1664. Parts of the wall paintings also remain. At the mansion’s ground floor, the monastery’s old well has been revealed. It has been maintained too.
Today, the Agios Andreas chapel serves the Archdiocese staff. It also serves students attending the Pastoral Training Foundation. A Divine Liturgy in English is celebrated every Sunday morning at 9:30 am. A daily Vespers service takes place at 6:00 pm. The church celebrates its feast day on November 30th.
Saint Andrew the Apostle is called Prōtoklētos in the Orthodox tradition. It means the First-called. He was a Christian Apostle. He was Saint Peter’s elder brother. Andrew was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. He and Peter were fishermen. Jesus called them to be his disciples. He said he would make them fishers of men. Early in Jesus’ public life, they lived in the same house in Capernaum.
Andrew is noted as present at some important occasions. He was one of the disciples close to Jesus. Andrew told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes. When Philip wanted to tell Jesus about some Greeks seeking Him, he told Andrew first. Andrew attended the Last Supper. Tradition says Andrew was martyred by crucifixion in Patras, Greece.
So, as you stand before Agios Andreas, remember its layers of history. Think of Agia Filothei. Consider Saint Andrew. This is more than a church. It is a testament to faith. It is a story etched in stone and spirit.