In 1922, following the Asia Minor Catastrophe, the first refugees from Cesme arrived in Kastro, Chios. Cesme, known as Krini in Greek, lies directly across from the island of Chios. Before the catastrophe, many Greeks from the Aegean islands and the Peloponnese had settled there, and it grew to a population of 19,000, of which 17,000 were Greeks.
During their flight, many refugees, predominantly fishermen, managed to bring important ecclesiastical relics with them. As Kostas Mimidis noted during the public presentation of these relics, “Instead of saving their possessions, they chose to save their lives and what they could from their church”. The Church of Saint Paraskevi in Kastello was one of the first public buildings erected by Asia Minor and Pontus refugees. It was completed in 1936 with contributions not only from the locals but also from refugees from Cesme in other places around Greece or the world.
Among the treasures kept in the church is a 17th-century icon of Saint Paraskevi, which was originally housed in a monastery on the island of Gouni, in the Karaburun Peninsula. Its silver covering was crafted by an artisan from Constantinople, using silver donations from local villagers. Other relics include a 1970 Holy Chalice, an 1852 Gospel printed in Venice, chandeliers, candelabras, and an 1800 Holy Sepulchre from Saint Paraskevi in Asia Minor. These items preserve the memory of Hellenism in Asia Minor and allow visitors to experience the history of the region firsthand.
