July 12, 2010

The Holy Monastery of Saint Euphemia in Kerkyra


The Monastery of Saint Euphemia in Mon Repo, Kerkyra is among the oldest on the Greek island, dating back at least to the 15th century. According to tradition, on the spot where the katholikon (central church) is situated today, there was an older church dedicated to Saint Euphemia. It was in these ruins that a miraculous icon of Saint Euphemia was recovered. In 1478 Antonios Mousoulis built the Monastery which operated as a coenobium. The Monastery had acquired much land and property on the island, but this mainly disappeared under the Turks in 1716. Among the properties of the Monastery was the Church of Saint Panteleimon in Μοn Repo. In older times the Monastery had about 16 nuns, but today there are only 3 who work very hard to upkeep the Monastery and give generous hospitality to visitors. The Holy Monastery celebrates twice yearly on July 11 and September 16 in honor of Saint Euphemia.