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Initiative to save the Church of Panagia in Lesinitsa Northern Epirustranslated

July 25, 2026 · 1 min read

The Commission for the rescue of the Church of Panagia (above the lake) of mountainous Lesinitsa in the North, next to the Greek-Albanian border and 20 kilometers east of the city of Agioi Saranda in the area of Riza, is issuing a "danger signal". Specifically, the Committee that has been set up to save the Church states:

Dear fellow villagers and friends of Lesinitsa!

The Church of Panagia (above the Lake) is emitting a danger signal and needs the immediate support of all of us! The roof of the church has suffered serious damage, as a result of which rainwater now enters its interior

Heavy damage to the tile roof

It is worth noting that the Church of Panagia, which celebrates the day of Zoodochos Pigi and August 15th, has a huge historical value for our village. In fact, according to what Vassilis Baras mentions in his book about Delvinos and the wider area, there was a monastery in the past at the exact same spot. For this reason, protecting the church is saving a living piece of our history!

The damage is also visible inside

According to a first assessment by experienced technicians, the construction of a new…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Show original

Илья Зайцев

It’s a pity to look at such a roof, water is already pouring inside. In Yaroslavl, too, old churches sometimes leak, and it’s immediately obvious that they can’t do without repairs. Maybe one of our roofing experts could tell me where to start?

Stefan Popović

I'm sorry to see that damaged roof, water is already seeping in and spoiling everything. Here in Belgrade, last year we repaired the roof of the chapel near St. Mark's Church, so I know that first we need to remove the old roof tiles, install new waterproofing and only then the new roof. Have they already found masters there in Lesinica or are they still looking for help?

Сергей Белов

It’s a pity to see how water is already getting inside, especially when the church stands on such a historical place - Baras wrote that there used to be a monastery there. In St. Petersburg, we also repaired old church roofs a couple of times, first of all they put in waterproofing, and only then new tiles. Maybe local craftsmen in Saranda or Reason will hire someone?

Danica Ristić

I'm sorry that this is happening to the church, I was just looking at those photos with the damaged roof tiles. Here in Novi Sad, we did a similar thing on the chapel last year, so I know that waterproofing really has to come first. Did you perhaps have a good master in Belgrade whom you would recommend, or should we ask through the parish here?