Katafygi, September 18, 2025
Ref. No. 26
Dear Fellow Countrymen and Honorable Friends of Katafygion,
In the once-glorious and much-celebrated village of Katafygion—the highest settlement
in the Pierian Mountains (1,450 m) and birthplace of notable figures and humble souls
alike—stands a monument of profound historical and artistic significance: the Holy
Church of Saint Nicholas.
This sacred monument, deeply intertwined with local history, is the sole structure that
miraculously survived the total destruction of Katafygion by Nazi forces in December
1943. Today, it stands not only as a place of worship but as the enduring witness of our
community’s cultural legacy. In recognition of this legacy, Katafygion was officially
declared a “Martyred Village” in 2017 by Presidential Decree.
Following an inspection in 2020, the Antiques Authority of Kozani acknowledged the
church’s extraordinary Byzantine craftsmanship. Consequently, in 2022, the Ministry of
Culture designated the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas as an “ancient monument”
protected by law.
In 2023, the Church Council—appointed by the Holy Metropolis of Servia and Kozani—
iniRated preparatory procedures to commission a team of distinguished experts to
develop essential restoration studies. Upon approval by the Central Archaeological
Council, the second and final phase of restoration will commence.
The necessary studies include:
1. Architectural Study
2. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Study
3. Structural and Seismic Resistance Study
4. Conservation Study (frescoes, wood, metal, stone, etc.)
The total estimated cost for these studies is €60,000. The Church Council has partnered
with the GlobalGiving international fundraising platform to make this initiative
accessible globally. DonaRons made from Greece, the U.S., and the U.K. are eligible for
tax benefits.
This moment in history offers a singular opportunity to preserve and restore a
monument that represents the heart and resilience of Katafygion. We respectfully invite
your financial support to help safeguard this legacy, so that future generaRons may
inherit it in its full beauty and functionality.
Ways to Contribute
From Greece:
Direct bank deposit to:
NaRonal Bank of Greece
IBAN: GR6401103730000037301811610
SWIFT (BIC): ETHNGRAA
Account Name: HOLY CHURCH OF THE DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS OF
KATAFYGION
Donation Link
💵 From the U.S. and U.K.:
Donate via Tax Deductible Contribution: GlobalGiving:
🔗 Preservation of St. Nicholas Church of Katafygion
Commemoration of Donors
All donors will have their names inscribed on a commemorative plaque within the
church. Donors contributing more than €2,000 (or equivalent in $ or £) will be honored
in the Book of Major Donors of the Church—“in eternal remembrance.”
With deepest gratituude and hope,
On behalf of the Church Council of Katafygion
The President
Protopresbyter Fr. Petros N. Zois
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