Description
The church of Zoodochos Pigi in the village of Sgrapa is built on a hill northeast of Pylos. It affords stunning views of the natural caldera of Navarino Bay, the island of Sfaktiria, the wetlands of Gialova lagoon and the picturesque harbor town of Pylos.
Tradition connects it with the passage of the Franks, the years of Ottoman domination, the revolution of 1821 and the Naval Battle of Navarino. The church was first built in 1332 by the Queen of the Sorbonne. Since then, it has suffered many times from the cruelty of the Turks and other invaders. In 1880 it was rebuilt by people from Arcadia who had come to settle in the area near the village of Sgrapa. In August 23, 1892, after a local woman had a vision, the lost image of ‘Zoodochos Pigi’ was found, and the find was recorded in the ruins of the original church in 1886.
The church’s icon is celebrated on the Friday after Easter with a three-day traditional festival, as well as on August 23rd each year, in memory of its discovery. The Holy image is known for its wonders, particularly regarding pregnancy and the charitable work of believers. Today the site has a hostel that can accommodate fifty people and space to feed a hundred worshipers. Throughout the year many people honor the Church and due to its history and magnificent setting it is a popular venue for weddings and christenings.
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