“Realise the requests of the believers quickly.” That’s what they say about Panagia Gorgoepikoos. Now, look closely at Agios Eleftherios, also known as the Little Metropolis. It stands as a testament to Athens’ layered past.
Agios Eleftherios is a small Byzantine church. It is nestled next to the much larger Athens Cathedral. People often call it the “little cathedral”. Its history is as captivating as its architecture.
This small temple boasts a unique architectural style. Many consider it one of Athens’ finest ecclesiastical buildings. The name “Gorgoepikoos” honors the Virgin Mary. Believers say she quickly fulfills their requests. Historians estimate the church dates back to the 12th century. Some believe Byzantine Empress Irene the Athenian built it even earlier.
Agios Eleftherios stands on the ruins of an ancient temple. This earlier temple honored Eletheia. She was the deity of pregnancy and labor. The walls incorporate ancient Greek and Roman marble blocks. Early Byzantine relief plaques adorn the church. A frieze above the entrance depicts the Zodiac. It shows months, symbols, and corresponding feasts. Reliefs also represent trophies. These are from the Panathenaic Games and Roman triumphs. Later Byzantine designs add to the mix.
Four interior columns support the small temple. It features a three-part narthex and a dome. Elaborate frescoes once decorated the interior. Today, only one remains. It depicts the Virgin Mary and dates back to the 13th century.
In 1841, Agios Eleftherios served as the city’s public library. It was restored in 1856. Then, they dedicated it to Agios Eleftherios. To this day, it remains a significant monument. Its fascinating decoration patterns enchant visitors. Specialists admire it too.
The church is well-preserved. You can see the octagonal dome. Marble columns stand on the corners. Lobed windows add to its charm.
Originally, the church was dedicated to Theotokos. This means Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos. People believed she promptly listened to prayers. From the 18th century, it served as a chapel for the Metropolitan house. That’s why it’s also known as the Small Metropolis.
Tradition says Agios Eleftherios was built on an ancient temple’s ruins. That temple protected pregnant women. It was dedicated to the goddess of childbirth Eileithyia. Saint Eleftherios is also regarded as a patron of expectant mothers.
Researchers link the church’s construction to Michail Choniatis. He was a Byzantine scholar. He admired classical education. Others date it earlier or later. They place it around the end of the 12th century. The lack of written sources makes dating difficult. Regardless, the builder used ancient materials. They gathered sculptures and placed them on the church’s four sides.
The church belongs to the semi-complex, four-columned cross-in-square type. It features an inscribed domed design. The eight-sided Athenian-style dome has single-light windows. Marble colonnetes support it. Equal-height rectangular marbles construct it. An apse exists on the eastern side. Westerly, there is a tripartite narthex. Its central barrel-vaulted part is taller than the side parts.
The entire edifice uses large marble slabs. About ninety reliefs adorn its upper parts. These form a frieze across all sides of the building.
The western façade integrates the sculpt of the Attic calendar. The architect placed it over the central entrance. It’s divided into twelve parts. These equal the number of months in the lunar calendar. Each month is depicted in personification. Scenes relate to seasons, feasts, or agricultural pursuits. The zodiac sign corresponds to each month. Three crosses consecrate the representation.
At the southern side, the relief shows the procession of the Eleusinian Rites. Inscriptions and panels with ornaments decorate it. The eastern side shows archaic figures holding a tripod. Panels depict animals, crosses, and plant ornaments.
Agios Eleftherios stands as a testament to time. It embodies the hopes and beliefs of generations. Its walls whisper stories. They speak of ancient goddesses and Byzantine empresses. They tell of faith. They also tell of the enduring spirit of Athens.