The original temple was founded in honor of St. George. Today, however, it honors Saint Theodora of Arta, the queen and patron Saint of the town, linking the past, present and future of the city. The original temple was built in the 11th century. In 1270 Queen Theodora renovated the church, which operated as a female monastery. The biographer of Saint Theodoras informs us, the monk Job, the queen after the death of her husband, lived in the monastery until her death (1281) buried there; after its official proclamation of Saint, the temple is now honored in its name.