This morning I sat by the sea and watched the passing summer. On the ground still slept the shadows that had come out of the green trees. It seems that I can see the wind, and that it is golden. The trees rustled, whispered something. Maybe they prayed - to time, summer, the gods... I thought about where the souls of the drowned disappeared. Maybe they are embodied in the grass and stones of the sea. After all, God does not love suicides, so where should they go? How strange: some people don't want to be here, but they can't get out, others want to live more than anything, but...
Suddenly, a golden-haired neighbor's dog with a bone in its teeth appeared, threw it under my leg and ran away, only its huge ears fluttered in the wind... The neighbor waved from afar and chased his dog. Then an ugly moth, like a small bat, entangled in my hair, and when it escaped, it was carried away by the wind to unknown distances.
It smelled like herbs. I felt good, but the ephemerality seemed so real, it was almost palpable. A close feeling, familiar since childhood. Life is like that - it doesn't promise anything that will last forever. It is like that river current that carries everything away - both the dog, and the butterfly, and the summer... And people, and events... And what you adore and what you hate. Life is change. And man is forced to change. Maybe that's a good thing...
But it is enough to sit by the sea. Today we are going to a monastery built in a cave. When we arrived in Greece, I was surprised by how religious people here are, how they follow traditions and customs. And the many monasteries and churches in the strangest places simply amazed me. Everything is different in my country. We are also traditional people, but it is a little more difficult with faith. Probably, the Soviet legacy is still felt. I like faithful people. And not because I was the same. No, I'm not very religious. Simply believing people look better, they radiate light, kindness and warmth. And I like visiting those monasteries in the strangest places. They bring changes in me. Therefore, today one of them is waiting for us.
Panagia Katafygiotissa or Holy Mary of the Shelters is located approximately 10 kilometers south of Derveni, Corinthia, on the road that leads to the mountains. The road to it is easily accessible by car, so we had no problems reaching it. Arriving in the area, we faced the entrance of the church, which led us to the Temple with its other interesting extensions.
The monastery is safely protected by a double gate. The lower gate leads to a terraced outer enclosure, and from there a second gate leads to the upper nave, where the cells are located. The Panagia Katafygiotissa monastery got its name from Katafygia, the area where it was built.
During the Turkish occupation, monks had taken refugees to the hard-to-reach caves and steep rocks to hide them and help to avoid the persecutions of the conquerors.
The construction of the church began in 1782. Until 1880, the chapel was served by a nun who left it due to the difficulties of access and living there.
Later, the religious residents of the area, saw the need for improvement and promotion of this holy place of pilgrimage and soon began its improvement. Together with other two holy monasteries, Panagia Katafygiotissa is the religious adornment of the area.
In 1969, the steps into the rocks were carved that connected the church to the public road. Later, the church was supplied with water. And in 2002, it was electrified.
From 1996 until today, Georgios Roussos personally took in his hands the renovation, expansion, improvement and maintenance of Panagia Katafygiotissa. With personal work, with respect for the environment, the history and the sanctity of the area, he built an imposing entrance, reconstructed the old cell, created a hidden school, captured folklore moments of the area, connected with arcades carved into the rocks all the areas that continued to impress visitors.
Today, pilgrims and travelers find peace in this blessed place, while the inhabitants of Anogea, led by the village vicar, take care of every matter of the monastery. Panagia Katafygiotissa is dedicated to the life-giving spring, but in recent years has been celebrated with pomp and the presence of many faithful people during the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.
Great location, great view, just not open to visitors daily. It is opened once every fifteen days or after consultation with the village priest. Well, we knew in advance when it would be open when we planned our visit. Well, we knew in advance when it would be open when we planned our visit. It appered to be beautiful both inside and out. The monastery showed us some great views that are completely calming. It is something very special and soul-shaking.
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With love 
Photos are taken by me.
© 2024
