The church of Agia Paraskevi by the sea

There are only a few big churches in Samothraki. Chapels and small churches dot the island, even in the most remote places. Two of these are dedicated to Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) - one in Paleopoli, near the Sanctuary of the Great Gods and the other in Ano Meria.

The small church from Ano Meria is not really in the village, but on the shore, in the northeast of the island, about 2 kilometers away from the bridge over the Fonias River and 600 meters before the junction with the road that climbs towards Ano Meria and the famous Tavern Karydies.

The church is hidden in a similarly named cove. Waves break gently nearby on the small beach. The doors and windows are painted blue and the traditional tiled roof has stones on top to protect it from high winds. To the right, there's a belfry with a blue cross on top.

The current church was rebuilt in 1961 after the old one was destroyed in a fire. The archeological excavations found a Roman settlement nearby and the legend says that on this very spot, an emperor died a long time ago. The story might hold some truth considering that historical sources tell of a Byzantine emperor that died while trying to flee from Samothraki.

As you enter the yard there's a fountain built in 2015 by the Hunting Association. Benches under a few young plane trees offer the occasional visitor shade a place to rest and take in the silence and the view. A vitex agnus shrub with long purple flowers brings a splash of color to the landscape. Cormorants often hang out on a couple of rocks in the sea.

The interior of the church is simple, the walls are adorned with a few icons with golden backgrounds. The icon of Saint Paraskevi, who the church is dedicated to, is both on the altar's wall and on the northern wall by Saint George.

Every year, on the 26th of July, when Saint Paraskevi from Rome is celebrated, a service and a panigyri are held here. Panigyri is a celebration that combines religion (it's associated with a saint) with dancing, music and eating. On Saint Paraskevi's Day, people eat gorgovrasto, a typical Samotracian dish with rice and goat meat.