Preservation of St Nicholas Church of Katafygion

July 2026

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are pleased to share with you our latest progress report regarding the preservation studies which are necessary for the preservation of the St. Nicholas Church of Katafygion.  As announced in our last report, we have secured permission from the Greek State Archaeological Service to collect various samples from the monument, which are necessary for the preservation studies (wood, stone, metal, frescoes, icons, etc).  Recently, we also obtained official initial permission outlining the procedures which the specialists must follow to collect samples regarding the Architectural and Static-Antiseismic studies (please note that no samples are required for the Electro-Mechanical study).

Furthermore, we are pleased to inform you that all specialists necessary for the preservation studies have been chosen and all the studies are now underway.  Attached, you can view a 3D LiDAR scanner image taken during the creation of a Digital Twin 3D model of the church edifice.  This digital model will serve as a data foundation in parallel with the onsite investigations and laboratory analyses. 

We carry the weight of the profound importance of this sacred monument in our minds and souls.  Feeling the weight of responsibility for every step we take, we are dedicated to using the best modern technology and the highest professional expertise available.  This is a most vital moment in time to protect this valuable symbol of treasured art and faith and to insure its safety, structural strength, beauty, restoring it to its "old glory" and endurance for generations to come. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in our "Circle of Friends" for your continued support, trust and advocacy.   Our donor outreach program continues to flourish, connecting supporters across the United States, Greece and beyond.

We look forward to sharing with you further milestones in our next quarterly report.

With warm regards and deep appreciation.

The Church Council

St. Nicholas Church, Katafygion

Spring 2026

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are pleased to share the latest developments regarding the preservation of St. Nicholas Church. Our donor outreach program continues to flourish, connecting supporters across the United States, Greece, and beyond. Every day, our “Circle of Friends” grows, united by a shared devotion to our heritage, faith, and community.

The Church Council is working diligently to finalize the necessary official permissions from the State Archaeological Service. We are proud to announce that we have already secured authorization for specialized preservation studies covering the church’s woodwork, stonework, metal elements, frescoes, and icons.

Furthermore, we are in the final stages of securing equivalent permissions for the Architectural, Static-Antiseismic, and Electro-Mechanical studies. These are vital steps in ensuring the monument’s structural integrity for the future.

Due to the extreme weather conditions at our monument’s high-altitude location (1,450m), expert specialists will begin collecting scientific samples this coming spring. Once the mountain pass becomes accessible, these onsite studies will provide the data needed to guide our restoration efforts with precision.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your faith and trust ensure that this treasured monument will endure for generations to come. We look forward to sharing further milestones in our next quarterly report.

With warm regards and deep appreciation,

The Church Council

St. Nicholas Church, Katafygion