At first glance you may think this looks much like so many other Orthodox churches you may come across in Greece: it is built on a cross-shaped plan and is topped by a central dome raised on an octagonal base.

What makes this elegant church special is the beautiful stonework, which echoes the kind of masonery used in the classical walls of Ancient Stageira (see Ancient Stageira gallery pages 8 - 10). Courses of blocks of cut white stone - many not squared - are in-filled with irregularly shaped local red stone. The general effect appears haphazard, but has been carefully worked out and executed to give the church its ancient look. All the stones have a rough, unpolished surface to reinforce the illusion of antiquity.

The roof and dome continue this antique theme with rough, grey shale slates from the nearby island of Thassos. [1] Structural detailing has been traced in red brick (a Roman/Byzantine touch), set in slim curves and lines; and even the church's wooden door seems to match the colour of the brickwork. In contrast, the steps to the church are of matt-polished white marble.

The generous paved space around the church gives the congregation room to meet before, after and even during services: not everybody wuold fit in the small church, especially at Easter and weddings. The court is also surrounded by trees, flowers and grass, and on its northeast side by the sea, a beautiful and mostly peaceful setting.