September 7, 2021

The Beautiful Chapel of Saint Sozon in Naxos


One night several years ago, the ship of a merchant sank in the sea off southern Naxos. The goods he had on board were oil and wine. In the battle he fought with the waves, he made a vow to God that if he was saved he would build a chapel of oil and wine in the area. Indeed, the adventure had a happy ending and he managed to get to a rocky spot on the coast.

This is the legend behind the isolated Chapel of Saint Sozon, whom the locals call Saint Sostis. Sailors often call upon him for help at sea, saying: "Saint Sostis, save us." This is why there are many chapels and churches built on the islands of Greece dedicated to this Saint, who is commeorated on September 7th.