Spiritual Centre of the Holy Church of Panagia Faneromeni

In the southern suburbs of Athens, in the area of Vouliagmeni, stands the Holy Church of Panagia Faneromeni, founded by Thanasis and Marina Martinos. Its “hidden” spiritual centre, complemented by an open-air theatre, serves as a vibrant cultural hub. In addition to its continuous use for catechism classes and religious events, it has hosted concerts by prominent artists and associations, as well as lectures by distinguished spiritual figures.

Beginning with the inaugural event in February 2013—a two-piano recital by the internationally renowned pianists Maria and Angeliki Bolla—numerous events followed.

Indicatively, the following may be mentioned:

• Hosting of the Cephalonian and Ithacan Association of Piraeus on the occasion of the feast of the Saints Fanentes, featuring performances of Ionian dances.
• A series of events organised by the Directorate of Social Policy, Education, Sports, and Culture of the Municipality of Vari–Voula–Vouliagmeni.
• Lecture by the distinguished philologist, theatre critic, and poet Kostas Georgousopoulos on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
• Lecture by the archaeologists Amygdalia Andreou and Mary Jamalidi of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands, and by Assistant Professor of Classical Archaeology Chrysanthos Kanellopoulos, who are responsible for excavations within the Municipality of Vari, Voula, and Vouliagmeni. They spoke about the Temple of Apollo Zoster at Kavouri, the ancient settlements and cemeteries, the road network of antiquity, and presented the archaeological findings.
• Lecture by Eleni Glykatzi-Arveler titled “The Relevance of Byzantium Today.” The lecture was delivered via live link, making use of the Spiritual Centre’s state-of-the-art equipment.
• Lecture by Dr. Stamatis Krimigis, as the first President of the Hellenic Space Agency, on the journey to Pluto.
• Lecture by the distinguished historian Maria Efthymiou titled “The Strengths of Hellenism across Nearly 3,500 Years of Recorded History.”
• Federation of Cultural and Civic Associations of Artemida: concert by the association’s orchestra, the AMBASSADORS, titled “Voyage of Memories,” in honour of Thanasis and Marina Martinos for their contribution.
• Concert of Byzantine music with the participation of a small ensemble of traditional instruments and the choir of the “Music Lovers’ Association of Constantinople in Athens.”
• 4th Chess Championship of the Athletic Organization “Agios Nestor” of the Holy Metropolis of Glyfada, in collaboration with the Chess Club “Leukippos VVV.”