Panagia Theoskepasti

The Church of Panagia Theoskepasti in Andros

The church Panagia Theoskepasti is located on the top of a hill in the seaside area of Paraporti of Chora, a few meters from Kairi Square. Is considered the protector of the whole island of Andros and the protector of sailors. It is a three-aisled basilica with a narthex and has two tall bell towers on the facade. The Gathering of Our Lady of Theoskepasti celebrates the Akathist Hymn, 16 days before The Holy Easter.

The History of the church

According to tales, one stormy evening the icon of the Virgin Mary came from the sea to the shore with a strange light. The people of the island followed the light that led them to a cave. Surprised in the cave, on seaweed, they saw the icon of the Virgin Mary. They worshipped her and transferred her to the chapel of St. Athanasius. The next day, however, the icon miraculously returned to the cave. So, the islanders decided to build a church above this cave and place the icon inside. The works for the construction of the church were done at a rapid pace and the church was almost ready in no time. But the roof was missing because there was no timber. Our Lady herself took care of this. A boat loaded with wood was in danger openly in the sea outside Andros. The captain along with the sailors begged the Virgin Mary to save them from this danger. Enlightened, the captain threw the timber into the sea and the ship was saved. The wood slowly came out to the shore near the cave and was used by the craftsmen to cover the church. As they believed that God sent the logs, the church was named Theoskepasti, which means covered by God.