Agios Efrem Avdou

The Church of Agios Efrem (Saint Ephraim) lies in the picturesque village of Avdou, approximately 38 km east of Heraklion, nestled amid Crete’s lush inland landscapes. This charming chapel is one of eight historic churches in Avdou, noted for its simple yet elegant single-room design and liturgical simplicity, with the altar placed centrally inside . Devoted to Saint Ephraim, whose relics were discovered, the church celebrates two feast days—on 3 January (discovery of relics) and 5 May (martyrdom)—drawing local worshippers who venerate a relic during weekend services . It stands as a serene spiritual retreat in a village rich in Byzantine art and cultural history.