The historic churches of the Dormition of the Virgin in the mountains of Dramatranslated

Every Fifteenth of August, Greece turns to the churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From large pilgrimages to small mountain villages, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary becomes an occasion to return to faith, family memory, place of origin and traditions passed down from generation to generation. In the mountains of Drama, this return acquires a special imprint. There, among small settlements and mountain roads, three historic churches of the Dormition of the Virgin are still reference points for the local communities. Livadaki, Dasoto and Panorama (old Kalapoti), preserve in their churches not only important examples of post-Byzantine church building, but also evidence of a religious and social life that remains alive.

Inside these churches, architecture meets folk art and history meets the modern experience of faith. Photographer Kostas Vidakis also captures this double dimension with his lens. The award-winning Drami photographer has photographed the three churches at different times, both inside and outside. As he explains speaking to APE - BEE, about the...