The Church in Karitsa Now Adorned with Stunning New Murals

Photos courtesy of Alexandra Katsampis

"Evangelistria shines in renewed spiritual and artistic splendour."

The Church of the Evangelistria in the heart of Karitsa is radiating a new, sacred glow. After months of preparation and hard work, the vision of the church committee to adorn the church with holy murals is gradually becoming a reality.

Last April, the committee submitted their proposal to the Metropolis of Sparti, and on July 15, they received official approval. This was followed by a meticulous process of selecting an iconographer skilled in the craft. After a visit by Manolis Malavazos, along with Argyroula and Alexandra Katsampis, to the workshop of experienced artist Triantafyllos Kagias in Kalamata, the church committee unanimously agreed to entrust him with this most important project.

Last week, Mr. Kagias and his team began mounting the first icons. Twenty-six murals in total were placed, and now adorn the church's interior. The iconography of the Evangelistria is a significant event for Karitsa, and the locals were keen to catch a glimpse of the progress made.

Surprise, admiration, and deep emotion were felt by villagers of all ages as they entered the newly decorated church for the first time. The icons, in vivid colours and detailed depictions, offer a sense of peace and reverence. The new visual elements and the vibrant colours of the murals provide a radiant and bright appearance to the interior, transforming it into a true work of art.

The vibrant images of the saints, rendered in rich and lively hues, serve as a vivid reminder of the church's history while also fostering a strong sense of community and cohesion among the people of Karitsa. From the youngest children to the elderly, the villagers feel united as one community, with the icons highlighting their shared spiritual and cultural heritage. These new images will continue to inspire reverence and faith, offering both villagers and visitors a space that exudes spiritual serenity and artistic excellence.

Alexandra Katsampis, who has spearheaded the project from the beginning, notes that the iconography of the Evangelistria is not yet fully complete. Such is the enthusiasm that the church committee plans to extend the work to the upper areas of the church, decorating them with a variety of biblical themes.

The committee, under the leadership of Fr. Christos Karydogiannis, is particularly encouraged by the response of the locals. The support of the village families has been incredible and crucial to the success of the project. Their dedication and contribution, both in time and resources, highlight our common desire to see our church rejuvenated and shining with new spiritual and artistic radiance.

The Evangelistria is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the unity and the shared identity of our village. In this spirit of cooperation and love, the church committee will continue to work tirelessly to complete the project, mounting more icons that will further enrich the spiritual life and cultural heritage of Karitsa. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the further iconography of the Evangelistria please contact Alexandra Katsampis.