A marble statue lost in greenery depicts a moment of sacrifice. It is the statue of Chrysostom of Smyrna. Let’s explore its story.
This statue stands in Mitropoleos Square. Here are also statues of Constantine Paleologos and Archbishop Damaskinos. The statue of Chrysostom of Smyrna is part of the Asia Minor Catastrophe Monument.
Chrysostom is shown in supplication to God. The statue evokes inner drama. Carved stones form a semicircular niche in the background.
The marble statue of Chrysostom of Smyrna was created by Kostas Dimitriadis. It is part of a monumental composition.
Chrysostom of Smyrna lived from 1867 to 1922. He was seen as an ethnic leader of Asia Minor Greeks. He was heavily involved in charity.
In 1922, Izmir was destroyed. Chrysostom refused to leave his people. Turkish authorities arrested him. They convicted him of philhellenism. He was handed to a Turkish mob. They lynched him and dismembered his body. His body was dragged through the city.
The statue of Chrysostom of Smyrna was created in 1935. The names of those murdered with Chrysostom are written on it.
Chrysostom served as Metropolitan of Drama from 1902 to 1910. He then became Metropolitan of Smyrna from 1910 to 1922.
This statue is a powerful reminder. Chrysostom of Smyrna faced a brutal end. He chose to stay with his people. His sacrifice is forever etched in stone here. May his memory be eternal.