The church of Christ at Berroia

n the centre of Berroia there is a small and unpretentious church dedicated to the Anastasis (Resurrection of Christ), which is today known simply as "the Christ". In contrast to the simple architectural plan (that of a single-aisled timber-roofed church) and the severe exterior, embellished only by a few brick patterns, the interior of the church preserves a series of spectacular frescoes. The dedicatory inscription over the door, another one on the south wall, as well as other written sources, provide information concerning the history of the monument. The construction of the church was begun by a certain Xenos Psalidas, and was completed, possibly after his death, by his wife Euphrosyne. It was consecrated in 1314/5 by the patriarch Niphon himself, who was a native of Berroia and who was the patron of the church of the Holy Apostles in Thessalonike. Important is the reference in the inscription to the painter, one Kallierges, "holes Thettalias aristos zographos" (excellent painter of the whole of Thessaly), who is identified with the painter George Kallierges, mentioned in a document of 1322 preserved in the Hilandar monastery at Mount Athos, where he is referred to as a permanent resident of Thessalonike. The mention of his name in the dedicatory inscription reflects the new position of the painter in artistic creation, since in earlier days the painter was seen more as a craftsman than as an artist.

The somewhat boastful statement in the inscription, indicative of this change in mentality, is fully justified by the outstanding quality of the painting. The robust figures, which possess a strong physical substance, but which at the same time radiate a deep spirituality, the simplicity and harmony of the compositions, the chromatic sensitivity, and the artist's deep knowledge of the painter's means, are features of the frescoes which relate them to the almost contemporary wall paintings of St Nicholas Orphanos in Thessalonike and testify to the high standard of the artistic movement in this important centre of the Empire.