The exact date of the construction of the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos cannot be precisely determined. History traces back 330 years, to when the settlement received the name Panagia. It is evident that the name derives from the village’s Holy Church. It is recorded that Panagia was the ancient Byzantine Anastasion or Anastasii. This information is mentioned by the author and historian Petros Axiotis, who tells us that the earlier settlement was built on the slope of the hill and was called Anastasion.

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The Church of Panagia took its final form during the decade 1821–1831, as evidenced by the inscribed plaque in the courtyard. In the early 19th century, the growing population—due to the relocation of inhabitants from Limenos (Skala Panagias) as a result of pirate raids (both Greek and foreign)—created the need to expand the church.

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The residents of Panagia decided to build a church worthy of the name of the Most Holy Theotokos, to whom it would be dedicated. For this purpose, a special committee was formed, which sought out a master builder in Kastoria—a city renowned for its craftsmen—with the aim of bringing him to the island. The master builder, with the help of the local villagers who worked voluntarily, contributed to the rapid completion of this magnificent church.

According to testimonies from elderly villagers, the reconstruction of the church also involved the participation of local men of the time, who carried sand, stones, and other building materials in small sacks (sakleria) from the acropolis—the ancient city of today’s Limenos. Specifically, the interior floor of the church was paved with large marble slabs brought by oxen from the ancient city. Beneath the marble floor, large empty jars (pitharia) were placed to improve the church’s acoustics.

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On August 15, 1831, according to the inscription found at the entrance beneath the bell tower, the church was inaugurated, most likely by the then Most Reverend Metropolitan of Maroneia and Thassos, Kyrios Daniel II. However, there is a possibility that the inauguration was performed later in the same year by the Most Reverend Bishop of Traianoupolis, Anthimos, who was elected in October 1831. At that time, the island of Thassos was under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia.

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From 1840 to 1874, Panagia served as the capital of the island of Thassos, and the Holy Church of Panagia functioned as the center of religious and social life for the community. During this period, all official ceremonies were conducted in the church, as is customary in Metropolitan churches. It was the focal point of religious life on the island, hosting celebrations, liturgies, and other significant events.

Throughout its long history, the Holy Church has undergone numerous renovations and improvements to maintain its structure and serve the needs of the community. One of the most significant renovations took place in 1962. This was made possible through the generous financial support of Sotirios Ap. Ellinas, a Greek expatriate from the United States.

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With love and devotion to his homeland, Sotirios Ap. Ellinas provided substantial funds for the restoration and enhancement of the church. His contributions financed renovations to both the interior and exterior of the building, the maintenance and restoration of religious icons and frescoes, and the improvement of functional spaces.

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The contribution of Sotirios Ap. Ellinas marks an important chapter in the history of the Holy Church, allowing for the restoration of its original grandeur and the preservation of the religious and cultural heritage of the community. The 1962 renovation not only ensured the church’s structural integrity but also reinforced its role as a center of worship and social life for the residents of Panagia and the greater island of Thassos.