Pláka, Athens, Greece
Before, by yourself, you couldn’t. Now, you’ve turned to Our Lady, and with her, how easy!
—Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902–1975), Spanish Roman Catholic priest and founder of Opus Dei
The tiny church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos is revered by Athenians for its icon of Theotokos (the Mother of God), to whom many miracles have been attributed, including swift responses to petitions. The lower walls of this elegant cross-in-square church are constructed of unadorned marble. In contrast, the upper portions display ninety bas-reliefs, replete with pagan symbols—remnants of an ancient temple razed to build the church—that were Christianized with the insertion of crosses.
Whether you want to make a supplication before the holy icon or to see and learn more about this historic church, pay a visit to Panagia Gorgoepikoos. It is located at Plateía Mitropóleos, adjacent to the Mitrópoli. Take a taxi or the metro rail (get off at the metro stops for Syntagma or Monastiráki).
Offer your prayer before the icon, petitioning Mother Mary to assist you in your quest for Divine understanding and nurturance.
The Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos served as the National Library from 1841 (after the foundation of Greece as a state) until 1863, when its use as a church was restored and it was rededicated to Saint Eleftherios, venerated for his pastoral virtues. The ancient temple from which the church’s friezes were repurposed was founded by Athenian-born empress Irene, credited with restoring the Greek Orthodox veneration of icons.