At the Chanter’s Stand
Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Karyes, Chios
In Karyes, Chios, the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos is where I currently serve. Since 2024, I have served at its chanter’s stand as **Protopsaltis (Lead Chanter)**, continuing my journey in the art of Byzantine chanting and liturgical practice.
The Church and Its Setting
Karyes is located approximately six kilometres northwest of Chios Town, at an elevation of 260 metres. The village is built amphitheatrically and can be seen from the harbour. Its vegetation, natural springs, and traditional fountains give the area its distinctive character.
Near the central square, shaded by plane trees, stands the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Its northern aisle is dedicated to Saint George, while the southern aisle is dedicated to Saint Nicholas the New Martyr.
In the church courtyard, the marble bell tower, created by Pantelis Kavadas, is particularly striking. Its polygonal base is a distinctive feature of its architecture.
From the Old Church to the Present-Day Church
The present church was built on the site of the village’s former church, which suffered severe damage in the 1949 earthquake. As restoration efforts proved unsuccessful, the local community decided to construct a new church.
To support the project, the “Association for the Reconstruction of the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Karyes, Chios” was established. The construction of the new church was closely linked to the generosity of the local community. The northern aisle was built at the expense of the family of Georgios and Maria Manouras, while the southern aisle was funded by Ioannis Pantelis Malachias.
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1957
Foundation of the New Church
The foundation stone of the present church is laid.
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1960
Consecration of the Church
The church is consecrated by the then Metropolitan of Chios, Panteleimon Fostinis.
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1980
Completion of the Bell Tower
In April, construction of the marble bell tower, designed by Pantelis Kavadas, was completed.
Holy Relics and Holy Water
Holy Relics
The church houses holy relics of Saint Eustathios, the Forty Holy Martyrs, Saint Charalambos, Saint Paraskevi, Saint John the Merciful, Saint Mamas, Saint Kyriaki, Saint Makrina, and Saint Tryphon.
The Holy Water
Within the sanctuary, behind the Holy Altar, there is a source of holy water associated with the reconstruction of the church. According to local tradition, after the construction formwork was removed, water appeared at a point within the sanctuary and continued to return despite repeated efforts to pump it out.
The faithful came to regard its appearance as a sacred sign, and since then the water has held a special place in the devotion of the local community.
My Ministry
Christos Katzigkas
Lead Chanter
Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Karyes, Chios
Biography