Nea Skioni, a small coastal town on the western coast of Kassandra, Halkidiki, carries a rich history and culture, and one of its most significant sanctuaries is the church of Panagia Faneromeni. This church is not only a religious symbol but also a witness to centuries-old tradition and popular faith, attracting visitors from all corners of Greece and the world. It is located 2 km south of Nea Skioni, by the road itself, so you will easily spot it.

History of the Church in Nea Skioni

The church Panagia Faneromeni dates back to the 16th century and represents one of the most important Orthodox sanctuaries in this part of Greece. Its name, which means “Appeared Virgin Mary,” is connected to the legend of the miraculous discovery of the icon of the Virgin Mary. Built in a unique location right by the sea, the church stands out with beautiful frescoes and is known for housing the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

Legend of the church’s origin
There are many legends associated with this icon, which is painted on an upright marble rock, and according to tradition, it was found floating in the sea. The story of the icon of the Virgin Mary in the church is very interesting.

Legends of the Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary

According to legend, fishermen from Skioni found this icon in the sea, and they interpreted its arrival as a divine sign.
At dusk, while the residents of Nea Skioni still lived under Turkish rule, a worker was working near the shore where the church of Panagia Faneromeni now stands. That day, the worker saw an unusual light coming from the sea. He thought it was pirates and, frightened, hurried back to the village to inform all the residents. Concerned for their safety, the villagers gathered on the shore all night, following the light that was slowly sailing towards the shore.
When dawn broke, something incredible appeared before their eyes - a huge rock was floating in the sea, with the image of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) painted on it. The rock moved on the surface of the sea as if it were made of cork, defying the laws of nature. Everyone was shocked and amazed by this divine sight, believing it to be a sign from above. They immediately decided to build a church on that spot, but they knew they needed permission from the Turkish bey.

The story of the Turkish bey and why his footprints are still in the church of Panagie Faneromeni

When the residents approached the Turkish bey, he rejected their request, not understanding the significance of what they had seen. However, the residents did not give up. Every evening they gathered around the miraculous slab, singing psalms and praying for help. Their prayers echoed through the nights on the shore, and the Turkish bey, listening to them, became increasingly irritated.

One day, angry about the gatherings and prayers, the Turkish bey went to the stone. In his rage, he started kicking the slab, but then something incredible happened - his feet sank into the stone, as if he were treading on soft clay. Terrified and unable to free himself, he cried for help, begging the villagers to pray to their God to deliver him from this miracle.
The villagers, of course, helped him and prayed for his release. When his feet finally came out of the stone, the bey, still in shock, promised to allow them to build a church on that spot.
You can still see the footprints in the stone inside the church today.

But that was not all - as a token of gratitude and as a testimony to the miracle he witnessed, the Turkish bey promised that he and his entire family would be baptized.

Legend of the site where the church is built

The church of Panagia Faneromeni was soon erected, and the villagers considered it a divine gift. Although they initially planned to build the church on a hill, to have a good view of the village and the sea, the image of the Virgin Mary “chose” a different location. Every time they started construction on the hill, the church would collapse during the night, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary would be found near the sea. They then realized that the place where the icon first touched the shore was where God wanted the church to be.

Thus, the church of Panagia Faneromeni was built on the shore, becoming a sanctuary that has witnessed faith and a miracle that united people in difficult times for centuries.

The Weeping Icon of Panagie

Local tradition says that the icon weeps before something bad happens in the country. For example, before World War II and just before the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The church also houses a Roman epitaph from the 2nd or 3rd century AD, which was placed on the grave of a child named Marko Julije. The other icons in the church are also fascinating.

Church Feast

The small church Panagia Faneromeni is classified as a historical monument and today belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the monastery of St. Anastasia, near Thessaloniki. The feast of this church is on the ninth day after the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, August 23.
The church has survived various challenges over the centuries, from Turkish conquests to natural disasters, but it has always remained important to the local community. Today, in addition to the icon of the Virgin Mary, you can also see the footprints of the Turkish bey.

The church is beloved among believers and visitors who come to admire its architecture and unique frescoed interior. Many also come to see the miraculous icon, which is considered the protector of sailors and fishermen.
Moreover, the church is a place of peace and spiritual refreshment for tourists who want to experience the authentic spirit of Halkidiki and visit historical and religious landmarks.
Whether you come to pray or just to enjoy its atmosphere, this church will surely impress you with its spiritual and historical significance.

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