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Vandalism at the Prophet Elijah Exōklisi on Mount Täygetos Peaktranslated

September 28, 2026 · 1 min read

A year after its thorough restoration with the assistance of GEEHA and national benefactor Athanasios Martinou, the symbolic exōklisi at the peak of Mount Täygetos was left to decay and indifference. The minister and Lakonia deputy Thanasis Davakis expressed his strong indignation and deep distress through social media, criticizing the destruction of the Prophet Elijah's chapel on the imposing peak of Mount Taügetos at an elevation of 2,407 meters.

A work that was a personal treasure and was implemented with great effort just a year ago now lies in the hands of indifferent ones, raising questions about the protection of our cultural and religious heritage at such elevations.

The post by Minister of National Defense

The petrified exōklisi of Aï-Liá, protector of Air Force Aviation, had transformed from a simple "petrified mantra" into an elegant and majestic place of worship just one year ago. The difficult task was carried out by the Construction and Natural Disasters Management Department (ΔΙΚΑΦΚΑ) of GEEHA, with the crucial financial support of …

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Леся Панченко

It's a pity to see this. A year ago, people invested so much effort and money to restore this stone church at 2407 meters, and now someone just broke everything. Who does this and why isn't anyone looking after him up there at the top?

Тетяна Лисенко

It's a pity, Lesya, you are right. A year ago, the military from GEEFA and Mr. Martinos invested so much work to put a normal roof and doors, and now there are bare walls again. Who should take care there at 2,407 meters - maybe we need cameras or someone climbs at least once a season?

Martin Dvořák

It's a shame to see such unnecessary destruction. Last year the soldiers from ΓΕΕΘΑ with Mr. Martinos put a new roof and doors in that little stone church at 2407 meters, and now it's just a bare ruin again. Who up there on Tayget even goes to check when it only lasted a year?

Pavel Černý

Too bad, you're right, it only lasted a year and now bare walls again. At such a height on the Tayget, no one regularly goes to check, the soldiers were only there for the reconstruction. I wonder if someone stole the new door or if they just smashed it.