A devastating forest fire that has been raging in northern Attica since early Sunday afternoon has now also engulfed the historic monastery of Panagia Axion Esti, a valued institution of the Archdiocese of Athens in the Varnava region.
According to the fire service, the situation in Varnava remains critical. The fire is spreading rapidly in residential areas and causing significant damage. At dawn, the extent of the destruction became clear and the damage to the monastery grounds became visible. The Panagia Axion Esti Monastery is of exceptional cultural and religious importance and houses valuable treasures and ecclesiastical relics of the Archdiocese of Athens and its affiliated institutions.
Despite the rapid response of the fire brigade, which deployed the first firefighting aircraft within five minutes of the fire breaking out and the ground troops within ten minutes, the strong wind aggravated the situation and turned the fire into a massive wildfire with several fronts.
In response to the increasing danger, the Civil Protection Authority issued evacuation orders for residents of the surrounding settlements, including Stamata, Mikrochori Oropos, Grammatiko, Rodopoli and Amygdaleza Stamata. The fire continues to pose a significant threat to both the historic monastery and the surrounding communities.
Monasteries of St. Ephraim and Penteli evacuated as uncontrollable forest fires ravage northern Attica
The monasteries of Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri and Penteli have been evacuated as a massive, uncontrollable forest fire continues to rage in northern Attica. The fire, which has now engulfed Mount Pentelicus, has formed a front more than 20 kilometers long, with changing winds making firefighting operations difficult.
A force of 510 firefighters was deployed to fight the blaze, which proved difficult to contain due to unpredictable wind conditions. According to the fire service, a total of 32 aerial firefighting vehicles – including 17 helicopters and 15 planes – are actively deployed on several fire fronts in the region.
As the situation remains critical, efforts are focused on protecting lives and property and preserving these historic monastic sites.
Translation: Konstantinos Menyktas
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