Kastoria, Greece, August 5, 2026
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
Greece’s Ministry of Culture handed over two restored Byzantine churches to the Metropolis of Kastoria on August 3, completing another phase of heritage preservation work in the northern Greek city.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni presided over the ceremonies, which included the unveiling of a restored 13th-century wood-carved icon of St. George the Trophy-Bearer at the Church of St. George of Omorfokklisia in Pentavrysos, and a door-opening ceremony for the Holy Archangels Church in central Kastoria, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The Holy Archangels Church is believed to date to the 9th century and was renovated in 1359 under Symeon Uroš Palaiologos. According to Metropolitan Kallinikos of Kastoria, the church has historical ties to Ioannis Uroš Palaiologos, who was later known as the monk Ioasaph and helped found the monasteries of Meteora.
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr Met. Kallinikos thanked Mendoni and Kastoria’s Ephor of Antiquities, Andromachi Skreka, for the restoration work, and announced plans to open a pilgrimage and tourism office called “Byzantine Kastoria” in September.
Mendoni said the Ministry of Culture considers Kastoria one of three principal centers of Byzantine heritage in Greece, alongside Mount Athos and Meteora, and said protecting the region’s monuments remains a national priority.
Metropolitan Theoklitos of Stagoi and Meteora also attended and praised the ongoing cooperation between the Church and the Ministry of Culture on heritage preservation.
The following day, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Holy Archangels Church, followed by a memorial service. During the Liturgy, Met. Kallinikos thanked local clergy, church caretakers, and several families who funded the restoration work.
The two church restorations are part of a broader ongoing effort by Greek authorities to preserve Byzantine-era religious sites across the Kastoria region.
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