St. Nicholas Church was built in 1938 by refugees from the old village of Fokea, located on the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The church became a symbol of memory and spiritual connection to their homeland, combining two names — "St. Nicholas," the patron saint of sailors, and "The Dormition of the Virgin Mary," in honor of a miraculous icon that once resided in their original village.
St. Nicholas is not only widely revered in Greece, but also far beyond its borders. His name has come to symbolize mercy, humility, and a willingness to help those in need. The church is located in the center of the village, surrounded by many shops, cafes, and traditional coffeehouses, which in the summer transform the main square into a bustling pedestrian zone.
St. Nicholas was born around 270 AD in Lycia, in the city of Patara (modern-day Turkey). He later became the Archbishop of Myra, and is renowned for his miracles and acts of charity.
One of the most well-known stories from his life is his secret gift of dowries to three poor girls so that they could marry and avoid misfortune. According to legend, St. Nicholas would secretly throw bags of gold into their house through the window. In one version of the story, he dropped the gold down the chimney, where it landed in stockings the girls had hung up to dry. This story became the foundation for the Christmas tradition of hanging stockings for gifts.
Another famous miracle of St. Nicholas occurred when he saved sailors caught in a storm. Predicting the bad weather, St. Nicholas warned his companions and began praying. Soon the storm subsided, and the ship continued its journey unharmed. During the same storm, St. Nicholas is said to have healed a sailor who had been mortally injured after falling from the mast, restoring his life through prayer.
In addition to his miracles, St. Nicholas was also known for his righteousness and for intervening in unjust judicial matters. For example, he saved three innocent men who had been wrongly sentenced to death. He appeared in the emperor's dream and ordered their release, and they were freed thanks to his intervention. St. Nicholas was also known for his peacemaking efforts, intervening in military disputes and helping to bring about justice and harmony.
His relics, which are kept in Bari, Italy, have become a source of many miracles. The myrrh that emanates from his bones is believed to have healing properties, and countless people have found cures for their ailments through it. The day his relics were moved to Bari is celebrated on May 22.
Nea Fokea is a small fishing village on the Halkidiki peninsula, known for its unique atmosphere and beautiful scenery. One of the most notable landmarks in the village is a high medieval tower from the 15th century, standing right on the coast. The tower once served as a watchtower for the Agios Pavlos Monastery on Mount Athos and later became the headquarters for the revolutionary leader Emmanouil Pappas during the Greek War of Independence. Near the tower, you'll find the Church of the Twelve Apostles, where visitors can light candles and pray.
Another well-known site is the Cave of St. Paul, which contains a small church dedicated to St. Paul. Inside the cave, visitors can find holy water, candles, and the remnants of a marble font where, according to legend, St. Paul baptized converts to Christianity.
Nea Fokea offers a chance to savor Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood. Local fishermen bring their daily catch to the village's tavernas, where guests can enjoy traditional dishes like smoked eel with bacon, lavraki tartare, grilled tuna, and moussaka. These flavors of Greece perfectly complement the beautiful sea views and the village’s relaxed ambiance.
Although Nea Fokea is not a major resort with extensive infrastructure, it offers a small, peaceful beach with a rocky seabed, where the water is typically calm and free of strong waves. The village is ideal for short stays, particularly if you want to enjoy fresh sea air, experience Greek history, and taste traditional Greek food.