Saints Theodoroi Church

Saints Theodore Tyro and Theodore Stratelates Church, or commonly known Saints Theodoroi, once served as the cathedral of the Serres Metropolis. The building is a large rectangular basilica, divided into a narthex and nave with three aisles separated by columns.

The first church likely dates to the 6th century, but it was rebuilt several times. Inscriptions suggest its dedication to the warrior saints Theodore Tiron and Theodore Stratelates in the 11th–12th century. Renovations under Emperor Basil II added arches and colorful columns; later rulers enriched it with mosaics, silver-plated icons, and ornate decoration. The church was damaged during the Bulgarian conquest in 1205, looted by the Ottomans in 1571, and again suffered in the great fire of Serres in 1849.

Treasures once housed here included relics of both saints, their weapons, a gold-plated cross, and the staff of Patriarch Gennadius Scholarios. In the 17th century a new wooden iconostasis replaced the marble one, and in 1868 a bell tower was added. Despite repeated damage, parts of its rich decoration—marble columns, mosaics, and frescoes—remain preserved.

Address
Ionos Dragoumi 31, Serres, Greece

Established
1124