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Standing tall in Perachori, the Church of St. Raphael was built in the 1980s. It replaced a 17th-century wooden church destroyed by the 1953 earthquakes.
Within these walls lies a remarkable story. The church enshrines the bones of St. Raphael, a local saint, and occupies the very land where his family home once stood, known as “Mili.” Here, tradition speaks of a perennial tree, the “tree of Lascaris,” a symbol of the family’s lineage.
But the story doesn’t end there. The land’s current owner inherits a legacy passed down through generations, purchased from a Lascaris family. This fascinating connection adds another layer to the intrigue, hinting at a possible ancestor of St. Raphael who may have found their final resting place abroad.
Every year, on the first Sunday of July, the church comes alive with vibrant celebrations in honor of St. Raphael. Pilgrims and locals alike gather to pay homage to the saint and revel in the spirit of community.
