Church of the Three Martyrs, Chania, Crete

The Greek Orthodox cathedral of Chania is the Trimartyre, or Three Martyrs Church. It was built in the 19th century by a Turk, who wanted to give thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary for a miracle that saved the life of his son.

Church of the Three Martyrs, Chania

The courtyard outside the church has a few statues dedicated to Cretan heroes. Anaghnostis Mantakas was a 19th century freedom fighter on Crete. Ecumenical Patriarch Athinagoras I was patriarch of Constantinople from 1948 to 1972.

J admires Mantakes statue

Ecumenical Patriarch Athinagoras I

The doorway has a beautiful icon, the presentation of the child Mary at the temple.

Doorway Icon

The interior is quite breath-taking. Orthodox churches are traditionally quite ornate. Everywhere the eye looks, it is drawn to holy things.

Nave of the church

The pulpit

Several icons are found throughout the church. Some of the icons have small metal panels, often with body parts depicted on them. They are requests to the saints for help with illnesses or injuries.

Icon

Icon with panels

It is a beautiful building and well worth visiting.