Church of Saint George in Repanidi

The Church of Saint George of Repanidi, in eastern Lemnos, is a unique post-Byzantine church and is considered the island’s oldest. The old church in the center of the village has been declared a listed historic monument. It is a three-aisled, timber-roofed basilica without a dome. The interior is adorned with a carved wooden templon and old icons. According to sources, it was founded under Ottoman rule. In 1928 a new church of Saint George was built right next to it. The church preserved its architectural features, such as the austere façade, the Maltese-stone paving, the latticework in the women’s gallery, the gilded carved wooden templon of exceptional craftsmanship with floral columns on the panels, and the vivid colors. Saint George is especially honored throughout Lemnos and particularly in the Kalliopi area, where every year on 23 April the old custom of horse races in his honor is revived. The church serves as a parish church and is connected with many of the island’s cultural events.