Folklore - History of the Church

 

Early Church

 

Crete was introduced to the new religion very early in the development of Christianity, as Paul the Apostle visited the island on his third journey in the year 64. He left Titus behind to take on the work of creating the framework for the new religion and the conversion of the inhabitants to Christianity (see: Paul's epistle to Titus, 1.5 ff).

 
In this way Titus became the first bishop of Crete and is celebrated as one. A big Titus Basilica is situated in Gortys, which at that time was the capital of the island. The basilica was built in the 6th century, but has later been restored several times.
Icon of Agios Titos

 

 

 

 

The Titus Basilica in Gortys

 
As everywhere in the old Roman Empire, persecutions of the Christians took place in Crete as well. On December 23rd 250 the first 10 martyrs (Agii Deka) were killed under the Roman emperor Gajus Decius in the town of Agii Deka near Gortys. According to the oldest legends they were: Theodoulos, Satorninos, Efporos, Gelasios and Evnikianos from Gortys; Zotikos from Knossos; Pompios from Levina; Agathopous from Panormos; Vasileidis from Kydonia; and Evarestos from Iraklion. As all of them came from Central or Western Crete, this can perhaps be seen as an expression of Christianity not yet having spread to Eastern Crete.

 

    

The church with the tombs of Agii Deka     

The tombs of Agii Deka

    Agii Deka