Pantanassa church, Eastern Orthodox church in Monastiraki, Greece
The Church of the Pantanassa, also called the Dormition of the Theotokos, is the 10th-century katholikon of a monastery that no longer exists. It stands on Monastiraki Square between Athinas and Mitropoleos streets, facing the Monastiraki station in central Athens.
The church is the 10th-century katholikon of a monastery that no longer exists, built on what is now Monastiraki Square between Athinas and Mitropoleos streets, facing the Monastiraki station. It was first called the Great Monastery; the later name Monastiraki, "little monastery", passed from the church to the whole surrounding district of central Athens.
The name Monastiraki comes from this church: it was the Great Monastery, then monastiraki, "little monastery", which became the name of the whole district. The church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, and its other name, Pantanassa, means "Queen of All". It stands on Monastiraki Square between Athinas and Mitropoleos streets, facing the metro station.
Visitors can enter the church during opening hours to explore the Byzantine architecture and observe religious services. Since it functions as an active place of worship, it is wise to respect local customs and prayer times.
The church gave Monastiraki its name: it was first called the Great Monastery, then monastiraki ("little monastery"), and that diminutive passed to the whole square and district around it. The 10th-century katholikon is all that remains of the vanished monastery, standing between Athinas and Mitropoleos streets facing the metro station.
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