In Polygyros, Halkidiki, in about the 18th century, shifts in the population brought a change to the ecclesiastical tradition of the town. It was decreed that Saint Nicholas be honored as patron saint in the place of Saint Haralambos, as had been the case until then. In our own day, a devout woman had a vision of Saint Haralambos in the courtyard of the church of Saint Nicholas, and he told her that he was homeless. This was the occasion for a magnificent church to be built in honor of Saint Haralambos and for a triumphal feast to be held today.
The dome of the newly-constructed church.
The inscription lists the names of those donors who made a decisive contribution to the construction of the church.
The founder of Saint Haralambos is the Fr. Agathangelos, the respected and venerable Elder. In a manner which he alone knows, and by the Grace of God, the work has been completed, much to the astonishment of many people, who are still wondering how he managed to do it.
The icons in the church were painted by Konstantinos Xenopoulos. The central aisle of the church.
Approaching the wooden iconostas.
As the saint to whom the church is dedicated, Saint Haralambos is on the left of the Royal Doors.
Icon with scenes from the martyrdom of Saint Haralambos.
The Bishop’s throne. A modern example of the art of wood-carving.
Christ the Lord of All watches ‘over the earth’ from the dome.
Our Lady Broader than the Heavens.
The Washing of the Feet.
The friezes on the arches, with depictions of the symbols of the Evangelists and holy martyrs, in medallions.
The Last Supper.
The friezes on the arches, with depictions of the symbols of the Evangelists and holy martyrs, in medallions. Here, the eagle symbolizes Saint John the Evangelist.
Scenes from the martyrdom of Saint Haralambos.
The friezes on the arches, with depictions of the symbols of the Evangelists and holy martyrs, in medallions.
Scenes from the martyrdom of Saint Haralambos.
The friezes on the arches, with depictions of the symbols of the Evangelists and holy martyrs, in medallions.
A modern saint: John Kronstadtskij.
Detail from the depiction of the Entry of the Mother of God.
Saint Synklitiki.
Detail from the Birth of the Mother of God.
Hierarchs, on the wall behind the altar in the sanctuary.
The Angel of Great Counsel.
Figures of holy women.
Saint Christopher, carrying ‘Him Who bears all things’.
The inscription of the foundation and the inauguration.
