At the intersection of Metropoleos and Pentelis streets at the center of Athens, and in a neighborhood that used to be called "Rodakio", is the tiny, picturesque and universally loved church of Agia Dynamis (The Holy Power of the Virgin).

This small 16^thC. unassuming Byzantine church is one of the most loved in downtown Athens.  ​Nestled under the modern Electra Mitropoleos Hotel it was lovingly restored when the hotel was renovated, part of the deal. The present day church was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Heracles (Hercules). You can still spot many spolia (reclaimed ancient pieces) in the current building, notice the lintel over the door.

Its walls are decorated with murals, depicting Agia Ekaterini, Agia Kyriaki, Agia Filothei, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Ierotheos, Agios Demitrios, as well as the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Under the floor of the sanctuary there is a large underground cave approximately 15m long, which continues to a tunnel, which, according to legend, used to reach all the way to the area of Kaissariani. It is in this cave that, again according to legend, during the years of Turkish occupation the priests had hidden the ecclesiastical treasures and church documents and archives which, however, were destroyed during the destructive invasion of the Turks in Athens under Omer Vryonis. During the 1821 War of Independence from the Turks, that through another tunnel which started from the cave and ended under the Acropolis rock, ammunition and necessities were being carried by the resistance to re-enforce the Greek patriots.

​The church was erected over the ruins of an ancient temple of Hercules while in the same area there was an Old Christian basilica. The name Agia Dynamis refers to the Virgin Mary and was given to the church so that all pregnant Athenian women would give birth to strong children.

And so this is the church you go to for strength. Anastasia who takes care of the church is an angel on earth and the main priest of the church keeps dog food in the trunk of his car for strays. My kind of Christians.

You can feel the love oozing out of every stone in this ancient place. And if you are feeling down or just need a moment to escape the daily rat race just step inside this holy place, light a candle and connect with the spirits.

The church’s celebration takes place on September 9th, day of the birth of Virgin Mary.