Difference between revisions of "Metropolis of Paronaxia"
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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. | 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. | + | 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: | |
| + | *''''Varahos'''', Bishop of Naxos - ''participated 451AD | ||
| + | *''''George'''', Bishop of Naxos - ''participated 680AD | ||
| + | *''''Athanasius A'''', Bishop of Paros - ''participated 431AD and 451AD | ||
| + | *''''Stephanos'''', Bishop of Paros - ''participated 680AD | ||
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| + | These Bishops are commemorated, by the '''Metropolis of Paronaxia''', along with the local saints of the see. | ||
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In 1083, Naxos was promoted from the headquarters of a bishopric to that of a metropolitan see. | In 1083, Naxos was promoted from the headquarters of a bishopric to that of a metropolitan see. | ||
Revision as of 06:11, April 16, 2008
The Metropolis of Paronaxia, also referred to as the Diocese of Paronaxia, is under the jurisdiction of the Church of Greece. This diocese has 37 churches, 251 chapels, 18 cemeteries, 18 monasteries and around 35 clerics.
Contents
History
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 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 (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:
- 'Varahos', Bishop of Naxos - participated 451AD
- 'George', Bishop of Naxos - participated 680AD
- 'Athanasius A', Bishop of Paros - participated 431AD and 451AD
- 'Stephanos', Bishop of Paros - participated 680AD
These Bishops are commemorated, by the Metropolis of Paronaxia, along with the local saints of the see.
In 1083, Naxos was promoted from the headquarters of a bishopric to that of a metropolitan see.
In 1207, the Franks came to the island, under Marco Sanudo, and conquered the Cyclades and founded the Duchy of the Aegean, of which Naxos was made the headquarters.
Naxos, like the rest of the Cyclades, was incorporated into the Greek state as soon as it was founded, in accordance with a protocol signed in 1830.
See also
World famous Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani - a Hundred Doors
Metropolitan
The current Metropolitan of Paronaxia is His Emminence Ambriosios II (Stamenas) of Paronaxia, born in 1922 on the island of Paros. He was elected and consecrated as the current metropolitan in 1991, replacing His Emminence Epifanios (Kalafatis).
Regions
Local Saints
- St. Arsenios of Paros (January 31 and August 18)
- St. Papa-Nicholas (Planas) (March 2 during lent periods different date applies)
- St. Athanasios of Paros (June 24)
- Venerable Nikodemus of the Holy Mountain ("the Hagiorite"; c. 1749-1809); (July 14)
- St. Theoktiste of Lesvos (November 9), [1] [2]
Notes
- ↑ What we know about St. Theoktisti we owe primarily to St. Symeon Metaphrastes ("the Translator"), renowned primarily for his Lives of the Saints (148 of them).
- ↑ Theoctiste is from Lesbos, however, due to the archaeological and historical importance of her association with the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani - Hundred Doors she is also classified as a Parian local saint.
See also
External Links
- Diocese of Paronaxia official website (in Greek)
- Paros Church of a Hundred Doors - Ekatontopiliani Visual Tour
