In the founding inscription in the katholikon of the women’s monastery in Imera (Turkish modern name: Olucak) in Argyroupoli in Pontus region, it is mentioned that it was built in 1350 and repaired at least once in 1860.
Dedicated to John the Baptist, the church is one of the few that remain intact to this day in the once historic Greek town when about 3,500 Pontians lived at the beginning of the 20th century in Imera and the surrounding villages.
As reported by pontos-news.gr, the Christian church, which has unique architectural features, has been partially restored.
Argyroupoli Governor Kamuran Taşbilek stressed that the church will soon be accessible to the public as the roof and some interior columns were repaired and missing architectural elements were added.
On his part, Hamdi Nas, president of the local community, noted that this was a unique monument, which was already being sought by Greeks looking for the traces of their ancestors, whom he described as “immigrants” from Imera, and not as refugees and genocide victims.
In any case, Hamdi Nas hoped that the church would be fully restored so that the Greek Orthodox monastery would become an important tourist attraction.