The two Temples, of the Patron Saint of Patras, Ag. Andreas, are Hellenic and Orthodox pilgrimage. The new Church of St. Andrew was inaugurated in September 1974 by the Archbishop of Athens Seraphim. The work of the painted began in 1985 on prelacy of Metropolitan Nicodemus of Patras and it was stopped for about thirteen years (1993-2006). The painting started again by the initiative of His Eminence Metropolitan of Patras Chrysostomos. The new church of St. Andrew the First dominates the city of Patras with a Cross height of five meters and twelve belfries. Its dimensions are: 60m. length, 52m. width and 46m. height. The total area of the temple is 2500 sq.m. and its capacity is more than 8000 people. Architecture and Construction Background . The new church of St Andrew of Patras presents similarities with the new Athens Cathedral where in that case was held architectural competition for its construction. In 1895, a Commission of temple construction was appointed. In 1901 an international architectural competition was launched for the preparation of architectural plans of the temple. On June 1st , 1908 took place the foundation of the temple by King of Greece, George A. In 1910 the construction stopped because of subsoil instability. In 1930 the construction started again. In 1934, the dome was raised but because of the wars of the era and the economic situation the pace of reconstruction was slowed down significantly, and in 1938 the work was stopped. In 1955 the reconstruction started again after solving the financial problem by imposing a small tax on electricity bill. On September 26, 1974 the church was officially opened, a few years after the translation of the Holy Head of Saint Andrew. The old church of St. Andrew was built in the period 1836-1843 in the place where he martyred. At the front and the right side of the church, near the altar, is situated the marble tomb of the Apostle. In the middle of the 4th century, Emperor Constantine arranged the transfer of the Holy relics in the temple of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. When the Franks conquered Constantinople, the relic was transferred to Italy. It was on September 26, 1964, when the Holy Head of Apostle returned to Patras by Pope Paul after significant efforts of Patras and the Orthodox Church. The well of St. Andrew is next to the old church. In its place was found the fountain of Demeter which operated as an oracle for sick people. The area of this divine source was the place where the Apostle Andrew taught. According to tradition, next to this source crucified. Saint Andrew is celebrated every year on November 30 and is Public Holiday for the city of Patras.
Under the patronage of Commerce and Import Association of Patras