The first report of the Metropolitan Church of Xanthi dates in the late 16th century and it is followed by a second in 1602. There are not preserved any relevant references until 1809, when a letter from the bishop of Xanthi, Seraphim sent to the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, indicates that the temple was destroyed by fire. It is not known if it was eventually repaired, but it is certain that the church was destroyed again by the two earthquakes, which caused extended damages throughout the city. The church which is preserved today was built in 1839 by the bishop Eugene, as attested by two inscriptions carved on the exterior, one on the east and one in the west wall. In addition, an inscribed marble slab was discovered in the church. It dates from the era of Komninon emperors (11th - 12th c.) and it can be found today in the Archaeological Museum of Kavala. The construction of the church is attributed to artisans from Epirus, who had settled in the area at that period. This testim