Saint Theodora is one of the living miracles in Greece (Vasta of Megalopolis) - VIDEO

 

In the green-clad gully, near Vasta village, there certainly has been a miracle.
 Whether it is created by God or nature we are unable to tell. On the roof of the small church of Saint Theodora seventeen bigger and smaller trees (holm-oaks, maples and other) have grown in an impressive way embracing and supporting the temple.

Their roots are invisible both on the outside and in the inside of the church. Perhaps they run through the stone-built walls and constitute a miracle of nature, perhaps, a devine hand has woven and maintained their clustering.

Tradition goes that there was the catholicon of a monastery hear and Saint Theodora who had been born in the area of Ancient Melpia was buried there. In Byzantine years the poverty of her family and the lack of a boy who would be recruited led her to join the army presenting her self like a man-soldier. 

 

When she was accused and convicted unfairly for some scandal, she asked to pray and her prayer was: «Lord, make trees grow on my grave which will bear witness of your protection and let my blood be the water to water them».  

 
There is no written evidence about the time when the one-aisle basilica of Saint Theodora was built, it was probably a building of the 12^th century. Traces of hagiographies are preserved in the interior, which prove that it had been decorated. Below the foundation there are springs of drinkable water which is considered by the faithfull to be holy water.

"Let my body become a church

My blood a river

My hair the forest"