Church of the Ascension of the Dormition of Agios Vartholomeos of Florina

In the regional unit of Florina, in the village of Agios Vartholomeos, there is the Holy Church of the Ascension of the Lord. It is built in an idyllic natural landscape surrounded by green trees.
Many years before the church was built, there was a path leading to a spring that gushed sour water. The inhabitants believed that the water had miraculous properties and so they travelled from different parts of the world to drink the water and cure their illnesses. Once, a Muslim woman wanted to drink water and cure her illness. Then, the waters surged and carried her away and threw her out. She realized that this was because she was not a Christian and immediately believed, was baptized a Christian and was healed of her illness.
Many years later, Mrs. Penelope Mystakidou, who came from Agios Vartholomeos, after a health problem she had, wanted to go to the spring to drink water. As she was walking on the road to the spring accompanied by her daughter, she heard voices shouting “Help” and immediately stopped, finding the spring in front of them. After washing herself, she was cured of her illness by making the decision with her family to build a small chapel. Relying on their own backs and the help of the ordinary people, she managed to build a beautiful church that is celebrated every year forty days after the Resurrection of the Lord. It is always celebrated on Thursday.

TEXT : Efstathios Sidiropoulos
SOURCE : Nea Florina / 10-6-2021