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The islands of Naxos, Paros and Anti-Paros cut-off in 1083 from the [[Metropolis of Rhodes]] and were established as the '''Metropolitan of Paronaxia''', with the headquarters based in Naxos. Up until 1083, Naxos and Paros were simply Bishoprics.
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 greatly 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.
=== Monasticism ===
The locals believe that the first [[monastics]] and [[ascetics]] would have been from the Middle East, since it is common knowledge that the earliest known monastic establishments were in Vithynia and Cappadocia. It is estimated, therefore, that the earliest monastic establishments would be between the 6th and 7th centuries.
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