Church of Agia Paraskevi in Florina

On the northeastern side of Florina, in an area that was once almost uninhabited, stands the largest church in the city, dedicated to Agia Paraskevi. The history of the church begins in 1934, when refugees from the Monastiria region built a small chapel of Agios Georgios with the help of the army. In 1961, with the declaration of the area as an autonomous parish, the construction of the present majestic church began, which was completed in 1974 under the supervision of Metropolitan Avgoustinos Kantiotis.

The church impresses with its imposing architecture and remarkable interior, where the icon of the Virgin of Pelagonitis stands out, an exact replica of the famous icon from the Monastery of Sinai. The chapel of Agia Ypomoni also operates in the area, which is commemorated every year on May 29. The feast of Agia Paraskevi on July 26 is a significant event for the city, with a large number of faithful gathering for Vespers and the impressive procession of the icon.

The Church of Agia Paraskevi is not only a religious center but also a symbol of the historical path of Florina, which is inextricably linked to the settlement of refugees from Monastiria. Today, with its imposing presence and the living traditions it preserves, it remains a point of reference for the spiritual and social life of the city.