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Greece - Vasta, Agia Theodora

Agia Theodora (Church of Holy Virgin Martyr Theodora) is a small Byzantine church with 17 trees - 200 years old - growing on its roof; most of them are taller than 20 metres. Only one single root can be seen above the entrance. No roots can be seen anywhere else, not even inside the church. The walls are 70 cm thick. Underneath the church is the source of a river whose water feeds the trees. Inhabitants of the region have built the church in the 12th century.

Nowadays the church is a popular place of pilgrimage. Believers are said to have received numerous miracles. In 1965 the church was declared a monument.

Theodora grew up in Vasta, where the family would send the sons to fight in the army against the enemy. Having no boys in the family, Theodora decided to join the army to save her father from having to do so. Disguising herself as the soldier Theodore, she soon became one of the most valiant and brave soldiers. A woman soon developed lustful feelings for “Theodore” and claimed that he had impregnated her. Theodora was commanded to either marry the woman or be condemned to death. Doing nothing to prove her innocence (as easy as this would be) Theodora placed her hope in God.

Being condemned to death, before her execution, she prayed, “Let my body become a church, my blood a river, and my hair the trees.” On the spot where she was martyred, a spring gushed forth which flooded to become a river which still exists today. The 17 trees on the roof of the church are symbolizing Theodora's age at the time of death.
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47 comments

Nouchetdu38 said:

Adorable little chapel in its green setting!!!!***************
2 months ago ( translate )

Trudy Tuinstra said:

heel mooi en mooie reportage. HFF
2 months ago ( translate )

Joe, Son of the Rock said:

I love the bell hanging in the tree. Have a great weekend. All the best, Joe
2 months ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Superbes images de cette chapelle squattée par des arbres !
Bon weekend. Amitiés
2 months ago ( translate )

David Slater (Spodde… said:

Interesting set of scenes Jaap. HFF and happy weekend.
2 months ago

Gudrun said:

That's an amazing series! HFF and a good weekend!
2 months ago

Mecklenburg-Foto said:

Ein interessanter Ort und eine phantasievolle Geschichte!
2 months ago ( translate )

Mikus said:

Ein ausserordentlicher Ort mit interessanter Geschichte. HFF und ein angenehmes Wochenende, Jaap.
2 months ago ( translate )

Walter 7.8.1956 said:

Ein schönes Wochenende Jaap!
2 months ago ( translate )

Xata said:

The mircle is that the roots find their way to water underneath without destroying the building. Very interesting views indeed, HFF Jaap
2 months ago

gezginruh said:

A wonderful series,Jaap!
HFF and have a great weekend!

Best wishes
Füsun
2 months ago ( translate )

Percy Schramm said:

Great find and an impressive serie. Thank you again for the interesting informations ! Wish you a nice weekend ahead !
2 months ago

Günter Klaus said:

Wow,das ist ja ein schöner und interessanter Beitrag mit diesen schönen Aufnahmen lieber Jaap,toll wirkt das mit diesen Bäumen :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Nachmittag,liebe Grüße Güni :))
2 months ago ( translate )

Herb Riddle said:

Another well documented church from you Jaap. Well done.

HFF, enjoy this sunny weekend. Herb
2 months ago

Fred Fouarge said:

Schitterende pips Jaap HFF en Mooi Weekeinde
2 months ago ( translate )