At a distance of 7 kilometers from Mytilini lies
Afalonas: built on the top of a hill, it takes its name from the numerous
threshing-floors which once existed there. It is a very old village and
quite small: it is listed among the villages of the Metropolitan Code of
1565. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1867, which was a real
catastrophe, with a large number of fatalities.
Sightseeing in the village, you will be enchanted
from the beginning by the ultra centenarian plane tree and then, walking
through the stone-paved narrow alleys of the village you will be able to
admire all the elements that compose its image: the majestic and
impressive Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, the traditional
fountains, the aqueduct headwaters of the XIV century, four oblong towers
- two of which are three-storied-, houses with bow-windows and beautiful
old wells. It is a village that seems to be very far from, but at the same
time very near to, a modern way of life: in spite of its brief distance
from the capital of the island, it keeps all its traditional aspects and
maintains the 'qualitative' rhythms of live.
The Church of Our Lady the Virgin Mary is a
brilliant monument and the jewel of the village. The architect Aidalis
built it in 1914 in substitution of an older cathedral that, because of
the earthquake, which occurred in 1867, was ready to fall endangering both
the believers and the sacred relics kept within.
The style of the Church is a mixture of Gothic and
Byzantine; it is a cruciform basilica with nave, aisles and has a low
cupola. The iconostasis, the pulpit, the prelatic throne and the candle
stand are wonderful works of woodcarving (the wood is from chestnut and
walnut trees) with representations from the Old Testament and the lives of
the Saints. These are works of post-Byzantine hagiography that woodcarvers
from Asia Minor and sculptured and worked on.
The icon of the "Virgin the Guide" is considered to
be the most wonderful of the entire region.
The techniques employed tell us that it is older than the XVIII century.
Probably it was create in Asia Minor and brought here together with other
icons in the period of the Iconoclasm.
As a matter of facts the island of Lesvos was a shelter for the
iconolaters, who in flight from the Orient, brought with them sacred
relics. Tradition has it that the sacred icon of the Virgin was brought
from Asia Minor to the island in a boat wrapped in a sheet.
At that time, the village was on a hill named Katho
that is between the village of Panagiouda and present day Afalonas.
It is said that the icon of the Virgin vanished from Katho and appeared
where today the Church of the Virgin is built. The miracle continued until
the inhabitants decided to destroy the old village and rebuild it on the
modern site. It was the Virgin that brought the inhabitants to the hill
where the village is today.
Her grace is infinite and her miracles numerous, but unfortunately nothing
has been recorded so far. All the inhabitants consider her their custodian
and protectors because in some documents it is said that, under the
Turkish domination, Turks entered the village to pillage, destroying
everything around them, but suddenly when they reached the old building of
the Church their arms twisted and it was impossible for them to move. So
they took flight, and the village, thanks to the help of the
miracle-worker, most merciful, zealous Virgin, was saved from the fury of
the enemies.
The internal decor of the Church is brilliant too.
The greatest number of icons dates back to between 1700 and 1800, but for
some of them, such as Jesus Christ, St. John the precursor and St.
Athanasis from Alexandria, it is impossible to establish their date.
The most important sacred vessels are kept in the Holy Church: such as
holy Gospels, sacred glasses, patens, incensories, icon-stands. They are
all superlative works of art with wonderful designs made of precious
materials.
It is the grace of the Virgin that brings devotees with contrition and
emotion to the elevation of the Church of the Virgin. The lit up church
stands as fortress and shelter for all the believers and the Virgin is
protectors, helper, guide, hope and sweet mother to all.
