Arts and Culture Greece Project #68638

Preservation of St Nicholas Church of Katafygion

by The official Administrative Church Council of the Holy St Nicholas Church of the village Katafygion

Summary

The Project goal is to initiate the preservation and restoration process of the St Nicholas Church, which dates back to approx. the 15th century. This unique structure is of significant religious, cultural, artistic and historical value. Located in the village of Katafygion, this site is the birthplace of numerous notable figures, including the renowned Metropolitan and Theologian Scholar Ioannis Zizioulas, as well as the iconic Zorba the Greek (Alexis Zorbas) from the world-famous movie.

$88,000
total goal

$84,136
remaining

9
donors

0
monthly donors

1
year

Challenge

In 2022, The Church of St.Nicholas was declared "a protected monument of Greek Heritage" by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.Due to extreme weather in Katafygion (1450m), earthquakes, Nazi forces' destruction in 1943 and dereliction, it urgently needs restoration.Restoration must adhere to strict procedures,guided by scientific studies, evaluated/approved by Special Committee of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.Preservation of this monument is crucial for its historical and cultural significance

Solution

The Church Council of St. Nicholas, consisting of members specialized in various scientific fields, is appointed by the Holy Metropolis of Servia and Kozani.The Council is obligated to coordinate all necessary procedures for this complex project's success.The first step is composing the essential scientific maintenance studies: Architectural,Electro-mechanical,Static-Anti-Seismic and Maintenance Study (icons,frescos,wood carvings,etc.).The project's goal is to cover the expenses of these studies

Long-Term Impact

The Hellenic Ministry of Culture has affirmed that the St. Nicholas Church of Katafygion is a unique Byzantine art monument with significant historical value. This church, surviving the Nazi destruction of 1943, is the only authentic monument directly inherited from the ancestors of the local community. It holds both artistic and sentimental value, linking the community to its past, including the iconic Zorba the Greek (Alexis Zorbas) from the world-famous movie. Restoration is thus essential.