Location information

Early Christian Basilica of Saint. Andrew

ERESSOS (Port) LESVOS
  Three-aisled basilica, now completely ruined. The floors of the narthex and the middle aisle are covered with interesting mosaics, decorated with animal figures, floral motives and geometric patterns. A square space at the south end of the narthex probably gave access to the gallery through a staircase. Several graves have been uncovered in the eastern part of the basilica, while a large number of architectural members lie in the south aisle, which is paved with clay plaques. The apse of an earlier building has come to light to the SW of the three-sided apse of the basilica.
  The basilica was discovered by monks of the Monastery of Pithario, in the years 1884 and 1885. An inscription on the frame of the west part of the mosaic floor in the middle aisle, mentions bishop John, who is identified as the representative of the Lesbians in the Third Ecumenic Synod of Ephesos, in 431 A.D. This inscription dates the basilica to the first half of the 5th century.
  The monument was excavated in 1928 by A. Orlandos and the site was later remodelled by S. Charitonides, in 1962. The area was cleared and the mosaics were restored in 1988. In 1989 the mosaics were covered in order to be protected. The monument is open to the public.

This text is cited June 2003 from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture URL below, which also contains images.

Hellenic Ministry of Culture WebPage
• http://www.culture.gr/2/21/212/21203n/e212cn08.htm... (2 img.)