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The small church of Agia Marinis in Nea Smyrni, Larisa celebratedtranslated

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

A crowd of people gathered at the Holy Chapel of Agia Marina in the area of Nea Smyrni, which belongs to the Holy Church of the Forty Martyrs of Larissa, to honor Agia Marina. It is recalled that this small church, eight kilometers from the center of Larissa, was the only point that the Metropolitan of Larissa could reach during the Turkish occupation. From 1417, when the Ottomans demolished the Holy Church of Agios Achillios, until 1792, when Agios Dionysios the Kalliarch, then Metropolitan of Larissa, rebuilt the Church, precisely because Larissa was the seat of the Ottoman cavalry, the entry and residence of Christians in the city was prohibited.

The only Christian Church that existed in the area of Larissa was the Church of Agia Marina in its old form, as today it has been rebuilt. Great and important Metropolitans of Larissa such as Agios Vissarion, Agios Antonios the New Theologian, Agios Thomas the Gorianite, Agios Neophytos and many others, did not deserve to enter the city of Larisa, but visited the Church where they ministered for the Christian slaves who lived as slaves of the agades in Larisa, but also for the free her around…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Παρασκευή Κωνσταντίνου

I'm glad that so many people gathered this year. I didn't know that this little church was the only point reached by the metropolitans during the Turkish occupation, nor that Agios Dionysios in 1792 rebuilt the church of Agios Achillios. Very powerful story, it shows how much Christian slaves kept their faith.

Αντώνης Κωνσταντίνου

Yes, Friday, this story shows how stubborn the Christians were. I remember that last year my son and I went there after the service and the priest was telling us about St. Vissarion who officiated under the trees. Did you go this year?

Marie Černá

I was interested in this, that it was the only place the metropolitans got to. My husband and I went on a trip there last year and it really feels peaceful there, even though it is only eight kilometers from Larisa. I didn't make it this year, but I'd like to know if as many people gather again as before.

Νίκος Μιχαηλίδης

Yes Friday, I agree, the story with the metropolitans operating outside the city shows how sad those years were. I went this year with my wife after work, we also had some wood together for the shrine that needs repair. How did you learn this piece about Agios Dionysios?

Δήμητρα Δημητρίου

Yes Antonis, their stubbornness was great. Last year I didn't go but this year my daughter and I went after the service and the priest showed us the spot under the pines where Saint Bessarion officiated. What did you think of this year's festival?

Γιώργος Μακρής

Yes Dimitra, I also remember the spot under the pines from a long time ago. This year the festival seemed quieter to me than last year, but there were people who stayed late. Did you and your daughter stay for dinner afterwards?

Νίκη Χατζή

Yes, Nikos, indeed, those were very difficult years, not a single metropolitan could fit inside the city. I read it in an old book on the history of Larissa that my husband has from his father. Did you go after work? Good that you also got wood, the shrine does need some care.

Νίκος Κωνσταντίνου

Yes Niko, you did well to go after work and bring wood too, the pilgrim has eaten for years. I learned about Saint Dionysius from Pope George who told us last year at the feast of Saint Achilles. What did you think of the liturgy this year, more people than last year?

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Yes Niki, indeed those years were hard, not even the despot could fit in Larissa. The wood we got yesterday did good to the shrine, now it stands better. When did you read this book of your father-in-law?

Ηλίας Δημητρίου

Yes, Evangel, the wood did its job after all. I read the book last summer, when my wife and I went fishing in Farsala and her father-in-law gave it to me. However, I was impressed that the holy metropolitans worked there for the slaves. Have you visited it lately?

Χριστίνα Νικολαΐδου

Yes Evangel, I read the book two years ago, when I was sitting with the stitch on the balcony. Indeed, I did not imagine that the saintly metropolitans were officiating there for the slaves who worked within the city. When did you get your hands on it?

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

Yes, the wood did its job, as you say. I was impressed that your father-in-law gave it to you there in Farsala – I borrowed it from Papa George two years ago. I haven't been lately, but I'm thinking of going on Saturday with the kids for a little walk. When did you visit it last?