Discovering the Secrets of the Church of St. George of Evrostina (or Zaholi, as they also call the village)

In the heart of Greece lies a true testament to the power of will, faith, and unity: the imposing Church of St. Georgios (in Greek it’s Agios Georgios) of Evrostina. With 17 domes towering above, this impressive structure was built in just 39 days, a feat that has been well-known throughout Greece for centuries. But did you know that this church is more than just a stunning architectural masterpiece?

Building Against All Odds

The story of the church's construction is one of determination and courage. In the 18th century, the people of the area were thriving, but their small chapel could not accommodate the needs of their growing population. A committee of six was formed, and they set out to get approval from the governor of Corinth to build the church of their dreams. The governor granted them permission to build, but under one condition: the church had to be completed in just 40 days, or it would be demolished and replaced by a mosque.

Undeterred, the locals took on the task themselves, with 24 masons and two supervisors overseeing the project. The church's construction began on June 1, 1811, and remarkably, it was completed just 39 days later.

An Architectural Masterpiece

The church of St. Georgios of Evrostina is a stunning example of royal and Byzantine architecture. Its 17 domes represent the twelve apostles, with the largest dome symbolizing Jesus Christ. The four corner domes symbolise the four evangelists, while the interior and iconostasis are decorated in Byzantine style.

The entire iconostasis was created from a single cypress tree located in the "Perdikari" village. According to the legend, whoever cut down the tree would die. However, a brave man named Papamengelopoulos volunteered to cut it down and defied the curse, emerging unscathed.

A Place in History

The church played a significant role in Greek history as the location of the first war council of the 1821 Revolution. Theodoros Kolokotronis (one of the most important Greek chieftains of modern Greek history) presided over a meeting held back in the day, inspiring the revolutionaries who fought for Greece's independence.

A visit to the Church of St. George is a journey through time and a celebration of human ingenuity and spirit.