1869
In the icon of the Panagia 'Kanala,' the Virgin Mary is depicted as the 'Vrefokratousa' (holding the Infant Christ). This is an example of post-Byzantine art and is considered a work of the renowned iconographer, Priest Emmanuel Skordilis of Crete. It is a large icon measuring 1m x 0.80m. In this icon, the calm and sweet figure of the Virgin Mary is depicted holding Christ with her left hand. Jesus nestles in her embrace, with his face turned towards the Archangel Gabriel. The Archangels Gabriel and Michael are depicted on the left and right.
The present church was built in 1869 on the site of the original church, which legend says was constructed following the dramatic discovery of the icon by fishermen from Kythnos. According to tradition, the icon emerged from the sea in the strait between Kythnos and Serifos.
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