A hesychasterion is a small cell or hermitage where intensive hesychasm is practiced, distinct from the cenobitic life of a monastery. Τhe Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel is in Fares or Giannitsanika in eastern Kalamata and is the only one of this type of monastic life that belongs to the Metropolis in Messinia.
The Hesychasterion was founded in 1962 by Archimandrite Joel Yiannakopoulos and two nuns, with whose money the property was purchased and cells were built. The church in the Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel was founded in 1963 and was consecrated a year later; it is of Byzantine cross-style with a dome, and is dedicated to the Prophet Joel. It therefore celebrates on October 19th, when the Orthodox Church celebrates the Saint.
