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Church of Zoodochos Pigi
The semi-cavernous church of Zoodochos Pigi is located on the southern rocky side of Mount Foukas (Apesa), in the Corinth region. It is part of a small group of buildings surrounded by stone walls with three entrance gates. One of the three gates has a built-in marble inscription dating from 1893. The entire complex resembles a monastery, but it is not. On the first level there are buildings for hosting visitors, dated to the early 20th century. A little higher to the east, there is a post-Byzantine two-storey bell tower and in the western part of the rock, a stone staircase leads to the semi-cavernous small chapel, attached to the rock.
According to tradition, the quaint little church was built on the spot where hermits who lived in the caves of the mountain, found an icon of the Virgin. The chapel was built in 700 AD, and for many centuries along with the adjacent caves, was the hermitage of hermits who lived there, isolated from the rest of the world. The last hermit who lived there, is said to have been Fanias, traces of whom are still visible inside the church. Imprints from the ascetic's knees as he knelt to pray are found on stones in a small cavernous opening to the left of the entrance.
The Holy Temple of Zoodozos Pigi, alongside with its outbuildings, has been designated a protected historical monument by the Ministry of Culture. The church celebrates every year on Easter Friday in honor of Zoodochos Pigi. On the eve of the feast, there is a solemn evening and the next Divine Liturgy.
Photo: DroneDays gr