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Agios Vasilios of Tripoli: Cathedral of the Greek Revolution Pioneers

Charalambos Gerou by the St. Charalambos mosaic
Charalambos Gerou by the St. Charalambos mosaic

January 1, 2016 Greece celebrates Agios Vasilios or Saint Basil’s Day. In Greek tradition, he brings gifts to children every January 1st. “We would travel to Tripolito attend services at the Cathedral of Agios Vasilios in Agios Vasilios Square, Tripoli” explained Dr. John Siolas. “A special day to remember the pioneers of the Greek revolution.” Agios Vasilios Cathedral in 2016 perpetuates Orthodoxy and Hellenism in action and writings. Theodoros Kolokotronis, the George Washington of Greece who came from Arcadia, is part of the living memory of freedom from the Ottoman Turkish Empire.

Panagia Mosaic in Chapel
Panagia Mosaic in Chapel
Interior of St. Vasilios Cathedral
Interior of St. Vasilios Cathedral

I met with Charalambos Gerou, a member of the parish council and retired philologist/educator Pitsa Gerou Macarouni recently. They showed me the new chapel mosaics. “I sponsored the mosaics of the Panagia with Child and St. Charalambos in memory of my family,” said Mr. Gerou. “I served in the parish council for twelve years from 1995 to 1997, assisting the Metropolitan.” The mosaics are impressive.

The Byzantine Choir of the women’s division created a melodious CD of the “Salutations of the Panagia, first group” under the direction of choirmaster Vasilios Georgaras. The religious zeal of the singers is experienced by the listener. Reverend Archpriest Ioannis Sourlingas with fellow clergy, parish council member and sexton Christos Mpitas met us for an interview. “Through the efforts of His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineia and Kynouria, we have a website. You can listen to our church services on the web. We are reaching out to all who work overseas, and live outside of Greece through the internet.”

The St. Vasilios Cathedral community’s intense patriotism is reflected in a memorial card dedicated to the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis. The 172nd Anniversary of his Death on February 3, 1843 was commemorated in a service on February 1, 2015. A portrait of the late leader is on the memorial card. The inscription reads “In everlasting memory of the Liberator of the Greek Nation.”

Memorial card in memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis.
Memorial card in memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis.

The Cathedral history is described online in detail, stemming from the Venetian and Turkish occupation. After the 1821 Liberation, Theodoros Kolokotronis and revolutionary leaders worshiped there. The city was recaptured by Turkish forces in 1825. During the Turkish retreat, the city was in ruins. In 1855, the Municipality of Tripoli began a church reconstruction project. Theodore Rigopoulos, former secretary of Theodoros Kolokotronis, kept historical records on the Cathedral. The reconstruction project followed with the addition of Bell towers, marble and iconography. From 1924-1930, patrons from overseas donated funds. Arcadian benefactors of all economic classes have continued to add and renovate St. Vasilios Cathedral.

In 1995, a fire caused extensive damage. Very Rev. Ioannis Sourlingas has an ongoing renovation project since 2011. He has been aided by His Excellency, Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineas and Kynouria and benefactors. In 2005, St. Vasilios celebrated his 150th Anniversary. Today, St. Vasilios Cathedral is a lantern of intellectual activity, as well as a historical and artistic monument. The life of the Municipality of Tripoli revolves around the ecclesiastical center. The church of St. Vasilios is the refuge of our souls and St. Basil the Directing Leader of our lives.1

Dr. John Siolas (left to right) with Charalambos Gerou with clergy and staff of St. Vasilios Cathedral.
Dr. John Siolas (left to right) with Charalambos Gerou with clergy and staff of St. Vasilios Cathedral.

I was given the booklet written by His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexander of Mantineia and Kynouria. His writings presented the traditional viewpoint of the Clergy’s role in the 1821 Greek Revolution. “The Clergy was instrumental in the resurrection of our nation and our ancient glory,” he explained. “During the four hundred years of slavery, the Clergy in the mountains and the islands kept the Greek glory alive in the hearts of our people. They celebrated the nation’s rebirth. The clergy kept the light of the Revolution alive, enlightening and educating the Modern Greek spirit. Their inspiration enabled all to leave slavery and become free men. The unification of the priestly clerical robe with soldier’s foustanela (uniform) precipitated victory. A free Greece would not have taken place if the clergy did not sacrifice themselves in blood for freedom.”2

References:

  1. http://www.inagiouvasileioutripoleos.gr/
  2. Mantineas and Kynourias Metropolitan Alexander, “H Ekklisia Protoporoc Cton Agona tou 1821” (The Church Leadership in the 1821 Struggle), (Cultural Center of the City of Tripolis: Tripolis, 2007), pp.31-33.

Links:

http://www.inagiouvasileioutripoleos.gr/ – St. Vasilios website

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/agios-vasileios – online church services

http://www.inagiouvasileioutripoleos.gr/contact – email

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