The church is situated 1 mile (1.5 km) west of Sotera (Famagusta district), on the site of a medieval settlement. The existence of the latter is suggested by the small concentration of middle Byzantine churches on the site: Panagia and Saint George of Chortakia.
Description: The now ruinous dome-hall structure with semi-circular apse was built in rough ashlar masonry of which only the lower courses are preserved. While the south wall is internally articulated by the usual engaged piers, in the north there was a free-standing pier (east) and a column (west) creating small compartments [not 2 columns and 2 piers, as stated in Papageorgiou (1985a) 331]. The later (non-bonding) narthex was built in smaller rough ashlar blocks with a calotte over the round arches.
Dating: A likely 11th-century date may be proposed for the naos on account of its architecture and taking into account the terminus ante quem provided by the presumed date of the narthex. An early 12th-century date or at least a terminus ante quem for the narthex is suggested by its architecture and the style of the surviving fragments of fresco decoration (standing saints?) on the soffit of the arch leading into the naos [MKE 6, 16]. Procopiou proposes an early or mid-11th century date for the naos and a late 11th-century date for the narthex [Procopiou (2006a) 363].
Modern repairs: The west doorway of the narthex was partly rebuilt (cf. Soteriou’s photograph).
Early literature: The church is presumably to be identified with one of the two chapels west of Sotera mentioned by Jeffery outside ‘Kourdali monastery’ [i.e. Panagia Chortakion]; Gunnis mentions (lost) column capitals lying among the fallen debris [Jeffery (1918) 227; Gunnis (1936) 386].
Views: Soteriou (1935) pl. 27b [part of the apse and the east wall still standing].
Plan / section: Papacostas (1999a) vol. 3, fig. 239; Procopiou (2006a) 365.