Construction of the church began in 1903 and culminated in its inauguration in 1919. Generous donations from the Moudros Educational Society of America played an important role in its creation. During the construction period, Lemnos witnessed pivotal events of the Balkan and First World Wars, with Moudros becoming a hub of maritime activity centred around the island. This period also forged a close bond between the Moudros community and Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis.
The church’s architecture captures the essence of early 20th-century ecclesiastical design in the Greek islands. It is a monumental three-aisled basilica featuring two bell towers on its western façade. Above the entrance, a striking rose-shaped window bathes the interior in natural light. Inside, the church has intricately carved wooden furnishings and a stunning tall iconostasis in gold and white colours with engraved floral motifs on medallions and exquisite icons. Its marble parapets add an air of grandeur.
One of the church’s most treasured relics is its epitaphios (a ceremonial embroidered icon cloth depicting the Christ in his tomb), gifted by Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis, then Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.
The church’s beauty was immortalised in photographs and postcards even before its inauguration, notably during 1914–1918. Among these are images taken by Alexandros Panagiotou, featuring British and French officers during the First World War. Yet, the church’s history also bears a sombre chapter: before its construction, the site was home to a metochi, an estate of the Koutloumousiou Monastery on Mount Athos, dedicated to Saint Marina. This estate was tragically burned, along with its monks, by Ottoman rulers.
Today, the Church of Evangelistria stands as a focal point for celebrations across the island. The cultural association “Pavlos Kountouriotis”, named after the admiral, breathes life into its traditions, organising annual re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, along with events showcasing traditional customs and attire. The church remains a vibrant symbol of faith, history, and cultural heritage for the people of Lemnos.
