Holy Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos and Saint Stephen

In May 1924, following the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the population exchange, approximately seventy families from the wider region of Constantinople—including Agios Stefanos, Phanar, Nymfes, Avassos, and Chifout Bouzas—as well as several from other parts of Asia Minor, arrived in the area of Bogiati (present-day Agios Stefanos) as exchange populations, in accordance with the Greco-Turkish Convention of 1923.
During the first years, the community’s religious services and sacraments were held in tents, until the first makeshift church was erected directly opposite the present-day church, in Marinou Antypa Square. In 1937, the construction of a permanent church began on its current site, funded by donations from local residents. Its inauguration took place in 1958. However, the major earthquake of 1999 caused irreparable damage to the church, which was subsequently declared unsafe and demolished, leading to the foundation of a new church in 2004.
Nearly fifteen years were required for its completion, made possible through the significant donation of Athanasios and Marina Martinos. The interior of the church, distinguished by its particular grandeur, was iconographically decorated by Giorgos Kordis. The church also houses the miraculous icon of Panagia Avassiotissa, believed to be one of the four icons painted by the Evangelist Luke.
The official inauguration of the church took place on 20 September 2020.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

• Completion of the structural framework and finalisation of the Holy Church.
• Full outfitting and execution of the iconographic decoration.
• Preparation of the museological study for the parish museum.