RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS in Northern Evia
Northern Evia has a rich and long-standing Christian tradition and is an attraction for thousands of pilgrims who wish to discover essential parts of Orthodox Christianity and monasticism.
St. John the Russian
If you choose to approach northern Evia from the capital of the island, Chalkida, you will come across the village of Neo Prokopi, which was built by Greek refugees who came from Prokopi in Cappadocia in 1924 with the exchange of populations after the Asia Minor Catastrophe. In the centre of the village stands the majestic church of Saint John the Russian, one of the most important shrines in Greece, where the relic of the saint is kept in a reliquary. The construction of the church began in 1931 and its inauguration took place in 1951. If you visit the church during the celebrations of the Saint, on 27 May, you will meet a large number of pilgrims on your way, who walk tens of kilometres through the forest and on the road, making the annual vow to the Saint. Safe and careful driving is mandatory.
Convent of St. Nicholas (Galataki)
Continuing on your way to the picturesque village of Limni, you will meet the nunnery of Agios Nikolaos, also known as Galataki, which is located on the outskirts of Mount Kandili and overlooks the Evia Gulf. Today, six nuns live in the monastery, while nun Pelagia will welcome you and give you a tour of the monastery, serving you loukoumi from the area.
Monastery of St. David
Driving towards Rovies, a few kilometres from Limni, at the foot of the mountains Kavalaris and Xiron Oros, you will find the historic Monastery of Saint David. His holy relic is kept there, as well as his personal belongings, while a little further away is the cave where he lived. The monastery celebrates on August 6 (Transfiguration of the Saviour) and November 1 (Assumption of Saint David). Saint Jacob Tsalikis, one of the most important personalities of modern monasticism, also practised his monasticism in this place. He died in 1991 at the age of 71 and was canonized in November 2017. During your visit, don’t forget to visit his cell. Monk Peter will kindly talk to you about the life of the Saint and the importance of his ascetic life.
Convent of St. Georgios
On a green mountain above the seaside village of Ilia, you will find the Monastery of Agios Georgios, founded in 1670. For many centuries the monastery was for monks, but since 1970 it has been converted into a nunnery and about ten nuns live there. It is 13 km from Edipsos and is accessible by a dirt road and from Ilia. During the route it is worth stopping to enjoy the view of the Evia Gulf.
Church of St. Paraskevi
Just a few minutes from Edipsos, taking the road that leads to the Convent of Agios Georgios, you will find the chapel of Agia Paraskevi. The new church has been built a few meters away from the old one, for which the only surviving evidence is a few stones. Next to the chapel is the Tower of Edipsos or Fragoula, a Venetian tower of the 14th century. According to tradition, the Lady of Edipsos and Lichades resided between 1383 and 1410. The view of Edipsos is so beautiful that a short stop will surely turn into an extended stay.
