Imagine a haven for young, poor women. That is the story of \u0399\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 \u039d\u03b1\u03cc\u03c2 \u0391\u03b3\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u0391\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03ad\u03bf\u03c5. It was once known as the Parthenon. But not the one you are thinking of.
\u0399\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 \u039d\u03b1\u03cc\u03c2 \u0391\u03b3\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u0391\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03ad\u03bf\u03c5 stands within the courtyard. It is part of the Athens Archdiocese. This church has a deep connection to the city’s history. It intertwines with the life of Agia Filothei. She was an important Athenian figure during Turkish rule.
The church’s story possibly began in the early Christian centuries. Around 1550, Agia Filothei renovated it. It became the main church of her monastery. Filothei came from the Benizelos family. After becoming a young widow, she established the monastery. It offered refuge to young women. They learned various arts and crafts. Becoming a nun was not required.
Besides cells, the monastery housed a nursing home. It also had an orphanage and a hospital. Until 1821, the saint’s underground hermitage remained. Her loom is still preserved under the present-day church floor.
In 1834, Athens became the capital. The area transformed into barracks under state control. Later, Metropolitan Germanos Kalligas of Athens built the archiepiscopal mansion here. He also constructed the current church in the late 19th century.
Initially, the monastery formed a Π-shape. At its center was the basilica of Agios Andreas. Today’s church is also a three-aisle basilica. Its interior follows the Byzantine style. Four columns support its dome.
Anastasios Margaritov restored the church’s paintings in 1999. Icons from the old church’s screen are now in the Byzantine Museum of Athens. These are works by Emmanuel Tzanes from 1664. Fragments of the wall paintings are there too. The mansion’s ground floor reveals and maintains the monastery’s old well.
Today \u0399\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 \u039d\u03b1\u03cc\u03c2 \u0391\u03b3\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u0391\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03ad\u03bf\u03c5 serves as a chapel for the Archdiocese staff. It is also for students of the Pastoral Training Foundation. Divine Liturgy takes place every Sunday morning in English at 9:30 am. Daily Vespers are at 6:00 pm. The church celebrates its feast day on November 30th.
Saint Andrew the Apostle is known as Pr\u014dtokl\u0113tos. This means First-called in Orthodox tradition. He was Saint Peter’s older brother. Andrew, meaning manly and brave in Greek, was a common name. He and Peter were fishermen from Bethsaida. Jesus called them to be fishers of men. Andrew is mentioned at important events. He told Jesus about the boy with loaves and fishes. He was present at the Last Supper. Tradition says Andrew was crucified in Patras, Greece.
\u0399\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c2 \u039d\u03b1\u03cc\u03c2 \u0391\u03b3\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u0391\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03ad\u03bf\u03c5 has transformed over centuries. It stands as a testament to faith. It is also a tribute to Agia Filothei’s charitable work. Its walls hold stories of refuge, art, and devotion.