HOLY MONASTERY OF SAINT JOHN KALYVITIS PSACHNA

The first written reference to the Monastery is contained in the “Synodikon” compiled during the reign of Andronikos I Komnenos (1183-85), where the following are mentioned: “Euthymius the most pious monk and ascetic who shone in the city of Evia, eternal memory, and Daniel the most pious monk and ascetic of Stylite, who practiced at the Monastery of Kalyvitis in the city of Evia, eternal memory.”

The Katholikon was rebuilt on a pre-Christian sanctuary, as inferred from many architectural remains of a pagan temple. This first building was destroyed. During excavation works, a marble plaque was found with the following inscription: “The all-holy temple of our venerable father John the Kalyvitis was constructed by Michael Kolokynthos. Pray for the Lord, year STSNG (1245)”. According to tradition, the Monastery was rebuilt by Russian monks from Mount Athos of the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon, but in the same century (the 18^th) it was deserted again. When the church was excavated at the beginning of the 20^th century, the old sanctuary step with 12th-century frescoes was preserved and completed in a basilica shape. Icons created by Athonite fathers of 1922 have been placed on the iconostasis.

Feast Days: January 15 (commemoration of Saint John) and Tuesday of Bright Week.

The duties of the Abbot’s Council are performed by Archimandrite Stefanos Karamouzis.

Telephone: 22280.22180. 

Website:www.kalivitis.gr

Postal Address: 344 00  Psachna.