| * AGHIA SOTIRA |
A church log book records the dates and events surrounding the establishment of Sotira: it was inaugurated on Wednesday, June 9, 1921. The church housed the remains of St. Clement (Jan. 23), St. Efstratios (Dec. 13), and St. Mamandos (Sept. 2). The inauguration was made official by the presence of Bishop of Nafpaktos-Evritania region Ambrosios. Other priests present were N. Papageorgiou, I. Kotsarelis, A. Tsipouras, and Papasavas. As with most of the other churches in Perista, this structure was also built upon an older church, which had the same dedication (Metamorfosi tou Sotiros). The existence of an older structure is evidenced by the recent discovery of a rock in the area bearing the date 1898. The building itself and its surroundings were renovated in 1990-2, under the direction of the Church Council of Perista:Nikos B. Kefaliakos,G.I. Thanasoulis and Kostas I. Lois. The festival (panigiri) for the Church of Sotira is celebrated in Perista on the main square "platia"on August 6. The Holy Transfiguration
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
"You were transfigured on the mount, Christ God revealing Your glory to Your disciples, insofar as they could comprehend. Illuminate us sinners also with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos. Giver of light, glory to You." - (Grave Tone) - Apolytikion of the Holy Transfiguration |