In the Orthodox Church of Greece, the only Parish Sacred Church named after Saint Glorious Martyr Aemilian is located in Athens, specifically in the area of Skouze Hill, in Sepolia.

Therefore, I deemed it appropriate, due to my particular spiritual relationship with this church, to engage in the documentation and narration of the events surrounding the initial reconstruction of the old wooden church (shack) and subsequently of the currently existing magnificent church, providing the reader with details of its architecture and its overall decoration.

The first part refers to the hill of Hippios Kolenos and the hill of Eukhloou Demetra during ancient times as well as the sacred temples of the area.

The second part briefly presents information related to the members of the Skouze family, to whom the hill belonged after its gradual purchase.

The third part summarizes the history of the churches in Athens, including the Church of Saint Meletios and the old Church of Saint Aemilian with the shrine of Saint Aemilian.

The fourth part provides historical details regarding the foundation, reconstruction of the church, its consecration, its architectural and artistic decoration, and its artistic works.

Believing that this work will benefit readers and researchers, I express my warmest thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Dorostolou Mr. Amvrosios, the Shepherd of the city where Saint Aemilian was martyred, for his blessing on this publication and for writing the foreword.

I wish that God, through the intercessions of our patron Saint Aemilian the Martyr, may shelter, guard, and bless our works.

Athens, February 19, 2014, Feast of Saint Philothei of Athens
Protopresbyter Spyridon N. Lontos
Parish Priest of the Sacred Church of the Life-Giving Spring of Athens
PhD Candidate in Theology