The holy church of the Transfiguration of Christ Megalochori is one of the most important churches of the island, as it is one of the largest basilicas of the 18th century, which in fact presents elements of architecture and church building that would prevail in Lesvos in the 19th century. It was rebuilt in 1767 on top of an older church, dedicated to Panagia, which is why until today the residents of the area call it the church of Panagia. It is a three-aisled basilica without a dome and a three-story temple with three altars.
The impressive wood carvings are the creations of meticulous work and add special aesthetic value to the overall image of the temple. This is reflected not only in the iconostasis, the high-priestly throne and the pulpit, but also in the parathrone, the pews of the two choirs, the pilgrims and the pacari. The inscription imprinted on the door of the iconostasis bears witness to the artist and the date of their construction: “Made 1768 September 10 by the hand of Ysidoros Kouroumatzinas Chios and received last year (1769) June 4”.
The iconostasis is straight and perforated throughout its surface. It is arranged in three zones and shows Ottoman Baroque influences. It bears relief decoration, in which representations from the Old and New Testaments, faces of saints and apostles, angels and plant-like representations can be distinguished. Isidoros showed particular sensitivity in the decoration of the windows with the representation of the image of the Annunciation.
Noteworthy portable icons are kept in the church, the most impressive of which is that of Mellousis Krisesos, which dates back to the second half of the 18th century.
Among other things, more than forty documents from the period 1759-1909, Greek and Ottoman, are preserved in the archive of the church. These are documents about the temple and the Demogerontia of Megalochori
