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It is a three-aisle basilica, with its central aisle on a higher level and an external gallery along the northern side. The tall rectangular bell-tower is built a few meters away from the north-east corner of the church. The marble screen of the church is still in its place, as well as the portable icons painted by Theophanes, in the mid 16th century, while inside the anctuary, one can see the miraculous icon of the Virgin "Axion Esti".
The monument, which is older than the 10th century, has been decorated with frescoes by the main representative of the so-called Macedonian Schools, Manuel Panselinos.
Apart from the historic elements of the monument, the frescoes which cover practically every wall of the church , are undoubtedly the most brilliant example of the Paleologan art, around 1300, whose colours, forms and sentiments have found their best expression in the hands of the most worthy master of the period.
During the 1950's and the 1960's, the church has been restaured by the Archaeological Service. The additional construction have been removed and the wooden roof has been replaced with one made of cement and byzantine style tiles.
The church is in use for the daily worship of the monks who live in Karyes for more than ten centuries, and it is also used for all the official ceremonies of the Holy Community.
| Site or City | Karyes, Aghion Oros - Athos |
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| Ephorate | 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities |
| Days - hours | Every day, from sunrise to sunset Entry is restricted only to the male sex - Free accomodation may be provided |
| Telephone | +30-23770-23712 (community of Karyes) Fax +30-23770-23315 Administration of Aghion Oros: +30-23770-23314 Police: +30-23770-23260 Post Office: +30-23770-23214 |
