Poros, Greece, March 28, 2025
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
A church on the Greek island of Poros went up in flames in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 26. Despite the best efforts of the Fire Department and Coast Guard, the Church of the Presentation of the Lord was completely destroyed inside.
It is believed the fire was due to a short circuit, though the cause is still being investigated, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The locals are quite upset at the loss of their church, but at the same time, take comfort in the fact that amidst the destruction, an icon of Christ the High Priest survived, as only the external protective plexiglass burned.
The President of the Greek Tourism Organization, Angela Gerekou, wrote about the icon:
A sacred flame was extinguished, but a miracle was born from the ashes. The Church of the Presentation of the Lord in Poros was surrendered to fire, and yet, a unique sign remained intact: the icon of the Great High Priest, as if protected by the Divine hand itself... Let our love and faith be the beacon that will lead to its restoration. Because churches aren’t just stones and wood—they’re the souls that pray inside them, they’re the miracles that never fade, even when flames try to touch them... From the ashes, it will be reborn. And the icon of the Great High Priest will stand again in the light, blessing us all.
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
The church was one of the most characteristic places of worship and cultural heritage of Poros. With its open door for believers and visitors, it was one of the most popular destinations for tourists, who admired its simple but history-filled architecture.
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