Description of the attraction
The Cathedral of Saint Spyridon, located in the center of Corfu (Kerkyra), is the largest Orthodox church on the island. Initially, the church of St. Spyridon was located in the Sarocco region, but in 1590 the temple was erected in its present place. The Venetian architecture of the temple is typical of the entire Old City, and its bell tower is the tallest structure in the city and can be seen even from the ferry when you get close to the coastline (the bell tower can also be seen from anywhere in the city). The decoration of the temple is striking in its grandeur and wealth.
Saint Spyridon was born in 270 A. D. in the village of Assia in Cyprus. In his youth, he was a poor and humble shepherd. He later married and had a daughter. After the death of his wife, he led a monastic life. Saint Spyridon took part in the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, where he denounced the heresy of the Arians, showing a clear proof of the unity of God in the Holy Trinity. He performed many miracles and became revered during his lifetime. Saint Spyridon served as bishop of the Cypriot city of Trimifunta (Larnaca region) until his death in 348. The relics of the saint remained in Cyprus for 300 years after his death, and at the end of the 7th century they were transported to Constantinople. In 1453, after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, the relics of Saint Spyridon were brought to Kerkyra, where they are kept today.
The locals greatly revere Saint Spyridon and consider him the keeper of Corfu. According to legend, he saved the island from danger four times: in 1533 from hunger, in 1629 and 1673 from the plague, and in 1716 from the invasion of the Ottoman invaders. The name "Spiridon" is quite common on the island. Five times a year, the relics are taken out of the church and a solemn procession in memory of St. Spyridon takes place (December 12 is the day of the memory of the saint, on Palm Sunday, on Good Friday, on the first Sunday in November and on August 12).
Saint Spyridon is revered throughout the world. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to Corfu every year to venerate his holy relics.
