submitted by
Kosmas Megalokonomos
on 11.01.2006

The Building of the Church of The Virgin Mary of Ilariotissa of Potamos, Kythera. A History of Service The Church of the Virgin Mary of llariotissa in Potamos, one of the largest in Kythera, was constucted in 1905 and was inaugurated in 1908 when the decorative works were completed. Formal consecration of the Ilariotissa church, Potamos, 1908 The history of the construction is of interest because it is connected with the history of the island and of Potamos and the scarred era from the start of the 20th century. Also, because Bishop Efthimios Kavvathas and Mayor Michael Magalokonomos played important roles. The Bishop inspired and the May­or organised the construction of this church. But the participation of the public counted above all. The men worked at the quarries, the Iimekilns, the scaffolds and the women at woodcutting, water transportation, weaving and embroidering. The children with their teacher were transporting the materials that ships and boats would unload, from the coast of St Pelagia to Potamos. But the penny of the poor also counted as gold, as well as donations from wealthy people from Alexandria and Smyrna. This is how the church was completed in seven months! Kythira Registry Documents. Parish of Panagia Ilariotissa, Potamos. 1731-1856. Details about, and how to purchase the book