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| η Παναγία σε φωτος του 2013 |
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| δεκαετία του 1990 |
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| 2012 |
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| είναι εκπληκτικό από πόσα διαφορετικά σημεία φαίνεται η Παναγία Λαγουδίου |
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| ο αύλειος χώρος της εκκλησίας το 2013 |
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| ο αύλειος χώρος της εκκλησίας το 2021 |
PANAGIA LAGOUDI
Panagia of Lagoudi, or “Panagia Lagoudiani,” as it is referred to in the Codes of the Metropolis of Kos in the 1860s, was originally dedicated (as it is today) to the Nativity of the Theotokos, celebrated on September 8, and is the Parish Church of Lagoudi.
Emmanouil Karpathios, Metropolitan of Kos, in his book The Church of Kos, writes that Manolis Sevastou Lamproglou “dedicated to the holy church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Lagoudi a vineyard on March 6, 1886.”
Later, probably from the beginning of the 20th century, it appears as a church of the Life-Giving Spring and celebrated on Bright Friday. In a letter from Metropolitan Joachim to the Kaymakam of Kos, dated January 22, 1902, requesting permission to repair three parish churches of Asfendiou, the Metropolitan mentions “Life-Giving Spring,” clearly referring to Panagia of Lagoudi.
Karpathios considered that this change took place because on September 8 the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Kardamaina also celebrated, attracting crowds of pilgrims from all over Kos. It seems another reason that influenced the shift of the feast was the agricultural work of the inhabitants, which was heavy during August–September.
*Panagia in photos from 2013
Around the old church, on the top of the picturesque hill, the present church was founded in 1913, temporarily roofed with boards in 1919. From the old church, only the Holy Sanctuary remained. When the new church was completed in 1923, the Sanctuary of the old church was demolished and the Holy Altar was transferred to the Sanctuary of the new church (as mentioned in a report by parish priest Fr. Stefanos Avgoulis on September 29, 1956).
It is mentioned that before the foundation of Panagia’s church, the Lagoudi church financially supported the church of Panagia Evangelistria in Asfendiou, which was then under construction (1909–1910). Evangelistria later reciprocated in 1935.
The people of Lagoudi made great efforts for the construction of Panagia’s church. After the foundation (1913), parishioners increased their contributions, while the wardens made more frequent tours of the village and sheepfolds, strengthening the revenues for the completion of the church.
There are recorded revenues in grosia in the church Ledger from 1918 to 1922. The revenues came from grapes–raisins (vineyards), as well as offerings of part of the farmers’ income (wheat, barley, bulgur, wine, onions). The seasonal rounds in the sheepfolds brought in 800 grosia. Significant help was also offered by expatriates abroad (a collection by compatriots in America amounted to 1,980 francs = 9,800 grosia). Thus, the Committee covered part of the Church’s debts. It is noted that “3,800 francs (=19,000 grosia) were measured to Michail Partheniadis for the debt of the Church.”
*1990s
On November 30, 1924 (one year after completion), it is recorded in the Ledger that there was a surplus in the Treasury: “The surplus of the Church’s Treasury (two-year management) 5,610 francs is handed over to the General Treasurer of the construction, Stamatis Ch. Giorgallis.” The same treasurer is recorded as General Warden (responsible for repairs and other expenses) until 1930 and later.
In 1938, when Fr. Giannis Chatzigiannis died, the church of Lagoudi was left without a parish priest. The Italians, after their failure to impose the Autocephaly of the Church of the Dodecanese, especially from 1933, had forbidden the ordination of Orthodox priests. (Kos had no Metropolitan from 1924 to 1947 due to Italian interference). Thus, the parish priest of Agios Dimitrios in Chaichoutes, Fr. Michail Papazoglou, was ordered to serve some Sundays and major feasts at Panagia Lagoudi.
Panagia remained without a permanent parish priest until the period of German occupation. In 1944, parishioner Fr. Stefanos Avgoulis was ordained by Metropolitan Apostolos of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia, and within a few days he undertook his priestly duties. He served as parish priest at Panagia until 1968.
As soon as World War II ended (May 8, 1945), the parishioners of Lagoudi and other Asfendiotes decided to take a bell from the Catholic church of Linopoti for their church. The Protocol of the Community of Asfendiou also confirms that even before the 1940 war, the people of Lagoudi had a problem with their cracked bell. The Italians considered this theft; there were protests and insults, to which the then Mayor of Asfendiou, Michalis Diakomanolis, responded in writing, listing the chapels demolished and all the sacrileges of the occupiers. At the end of the war, the church of Asomatoi donated 5,000 lire to Panagia Lagoudi for a bell.
At the beginning of 1949, preparations of timber for the iconostasis (templon) are noted. It seems that compatriots abroad covered most of the 4,400,000 it cost to construct.
In 1952, the church was closed for 11 weeks. The reason was an icon of Panagia ordered by the family of Michalis Sofos. The Metropolitan had not been informed and forbade the icon’s entry into the church. The wardens and parishioners disobeyed and placed it in the church. Thus, the Metropolitan ordered the church closed and suspended the priest.
*It is remarkable from how many different points Panagia Lagoudi can be seen
On the right side of the iconostasis there is indeed an icon depicting the Nativity of the Theotokos with a dedicatory inscription: “Donation of the wife of Michail Sofos, year 1953.”
In 1953, there was the idea of constructing a cooperative olive press with Asomatos on land to be granted by the Church of Lagoudi, but the plans did not materialize due to other needs.
In 1954, a Brotherhood was established “for the decoration of our Holy Church, which unfortunately is in a sad state…” as stated in the minutes. The results of their activities soon became evident in the decoration of the church.
This work was continued by parish priest Fr. Kyriakos Paraskevadakis and, after 1978, thanks to his care and the offerings of parishioners and expatriates from Asfendiou, the church remains in excellent condition to this day, a true jewel for Lagoudi.
The iconography was carried out between 1985 and 1997 by iconographers Nikolaos Vlachogiannis and Georgios Katimertzoglou, on the initiative and with significant contributions of Gabriel Skaleris, Michail Palapanis, and parishioners of the area.
*the courtyard of the church in 2013
*the courtyard of the church in 2021
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