Εισόδια Θεοτόκου

Marvelous mosaics adorn Panagia Gorgoepikoos. This small church in the heart of Athens holds a captivating history. It stands on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Eileithyia goddess of childbirth. Panagia Gorgoepikoos was initially the catholicon of a small monastery. Later it became a metochi of the Monastery of Kaisariani. During the Turkish occupation it served as the chapel of the metropolitan mansion. The church endured transformations. In 1834 it stored antiquities. A fire destroyed its original columns. They were replaced with built pillars in 1839. The bell tower was demolished. In 1841 it functioned as a public library. Further alterations in 1862-1863 unfortunately removed Middle Byzantine wall paintings. Notice the church’s architecture. It’s a semi-complex cross-in-square church with a dome. The eastern side shows an arch with three sides externally. A tripartite narthex is on the west. Panagia Gorgoepikoos’s dome is an octagonal Athenian style. It features marble columns and lobed windows. It was not constructed using the cloisonné system of masonry. Instead rectangular marbles of equal height were used. The church’s masonry is unique. Three sides including a podium are constructed with undecorated marble courses. From the middle upwards ninety ancient and Byzantine reliefs adorn the walls. The ancient sculptures have Christian elements added crosses. Some are arranged to resemble a temple frieze. Impressive sculptures above the southern entrance depict the worship of Demeter in Eleusis. They may come from the Eleusinian propylon. Sculptures forming a frieze on the western side represent an ancient calendar. Christian sculptures with animals facing each other resemble Eastern art. They might originate from Byzantine secular buildings. Panagia Gorgoepikoos celebrates on December 15th. It stands as a testament to Athens’ rich layered history blending antiquity with faith. The church is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living museum exhibiting centuries of history. It’s a breathtaking sight a must-see for anyone exploring Athens.