“Built quickly” that was the mandate. Now, step closer to the small picturesque church of Agia Paraskevi. It stands on the pedestrian part of Aiolou Street. It is right next to the impressive church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa in the center of Athens. Agia Paraskevi has a captivating story that stretches back centuries.
Agia Paraskevi was constructed during the Turkish occupation of Greece. Written accounts suggest it began as a chapel. It was connected to the larger church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa.
In 1762, Agia Paraskevi was gifted to the Monastery of Ossios Meletios Kithairona. It became their Metochi. This provided a place for monks to stay when they visited Athens. From 1883 to 1928, Agia Paraskevi became part of the Monastery of Faneromeni in Salamina. It was then known as the “Aeginitiko Metochi”. Today, Agia Paraskevi belongs again to the Monastery of Ossios Meletios.
Architecturally, Agia Paraskevi follows the style of a one-aisle vaulted basilica. A small aisle was later added on the northern side. Here, a representation of the hideous Calvary was constructed. The wall paintings that adorn the interior date from 1930.
Agia Paraskevi is dedicated to a virgin martyr. She was born near Rome during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. She received an excellent education. She focused her studies on philosophy. During Emperor Antoninus Pius’s reign, she was arrested. She refused to follow the state pagan religion. She endured torture and was eventually beheaded by the Roman governor Tarasius.
After the Ottomans took control of Greece in 1453, Christians faced varying treatment. Some rulers allowed religious freedom. Others restricted it. A small group of residents built Agia Paraskevi next to Panagia Chrysospiliotissa. They feared the Sultan would interfere. They built a single-aisle basilica church. It had two blind arches on the north and south sides. It was dedicated to Agia Pareskevi.
Later in the Ottoman period, the blind arches were opened. A small corridor was built on the north side. A door and a large window were added to the south side.
Following the Greek War of Independence victory in 1830, many buildings were demolished for modernization. The Greek Orthodox Church successfully resisted attempts to seize the land of Agia Paraskevi. Minor renovations occurred in the 1930s. These included impressive interior frescos.
Agia Paraskevi celebrates its feast day annually on July 26th. The church is open sporadically during the week. Liturgy is held every Sunday. When visiting, remember to dress modestly. This shows respect to the church and its members.
Today, Agia Paraskevi stands on one of the busiest shopping streets in central Athens. This small church has witnessed centuries of history. It represents faith, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Athens.