Virgin Maria is the protector of Greece and thus she has many faces similar to goodness Athena in the ancient time.

In the island of Andros, where there is a long tradition of merchandise navy and sailors, it is only logical to have also a church devoted to Virgin Maria the seaborne. The church is built on a small rock at the edge of Chora. Along with Tourlitis and the statue of unknown sailor are the “three must-see” landmarks of Chora.

According to the legend, a night during an extreme storm, the sailors of a boat saw in a distance Virgin’s Maria picture flashing. They followed it and got safe to the coast. The sailors built a chapel to host the icon. Interestingly enough in this icon Virgin Maria wears a blue cover instead of a red, which is the typical way in Orthodox icons depicting her.

Photo: Beato Eftihios