16,951
edits
Changes
m
link
Christianity in Paronaxia spread during the early Christian period, and the bishoprics were considered among the original established churches, not just in Greece, but of all Christianity. The local ecclesiastical tradition of Naxos, however, affirms that christianity was spread by St. [[John the Theologian]] and the evangelist [[Polycarp of Smyrna]] (68-155). While St. John was exiled on the island of Patmos, he was authoring the Apocalypse and heard about the island of Naxos. He sent his student, Polycarp, to the island to spread christianity to the locals. This ecclesiastical tradition is honoured grealy on Naxos. There are two parishes and various Byzantine chapels on the island, dedicated to his honour, especially at the village of Sagriou. There is an old Byzantine monastery and church with wall reliefs from the iconoclastic period that is still preserved in the area of Filoti.
The most important historical, ecclesiastical and architectural structure on the island is the '''[[Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani - Hundred Doors (Paros)|Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani]]''' (''Ekatontapyliani'' - Gr. literally: "Hundred Doors"). This church was founded, early in the fourth century, by St. [[Helen]], the mother of [[Constantine the Great]], during her pilgrimage to the [[Holy Land]]. She also founded other smaller churches on the island of Paros, including the churches of St. Stephanos, St. Matthew, St. John of Gyroula and St. George, and others.
During the 5th century, many of the Bishops from Naxos and Paros took part in the [[Ecumenical Councils]]. Some of these Bishops include:
