HOLY MONASTERY OF SAINT DAVID THE ELDER

The foundation and construction of the Monastery, around the year 1540, are attributed to Saint David. Still young in age, he succeeded in rebuilding it at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, under the shelter of Mount Telethrio, amidst a dense forest of pines and firs.

The Saint came from Gardinitza. While still young he became a monk. He served as abbot of the Monastery of Varnakova, practiced asceticism on Mount Steirion and was tested by the Ottoman ruler of Livadeia. “Guided by the Divine Spirit”, he came to Evia, where he built a Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, at a site where an older church previously existed, near the village of Rovies and “perfectly established a Monastery”, in which many monks soon gathered. The fame of his holiness quickly spread; he performed many miracles and before his holy repose (1 November) he led many to salvation “having appeared great in word and deed”.

The Monastery, during the years of Byzantium, had been honored with Imperial privileges, which unfortunately were destroyed during its burning. Furthermore, a Patriarchal Sigillion of 1638, under Patriarch Cyril, recognized the Stavropegial and Patriarchal status of the Monastery.

During the Revolution of 1821, the monks assisted the Struggle, provoking the anger of the Turks, who completely destroyed the Monastery, which was restored in 1877.

At a distance of one kilometer north of the Monastery is located the “Agioneri”. According to tradition, Saint David struck the rock with his staff and abundant, pure and healing water gushed forth. Also, at a distance of 20 minutes on foot south of the Monastery, there is the “Hermitage” of Saint David, a small cave in the rock, with the chapel of St. Charalambos.

Days of glory and growth were experienced by the Monastery during the Abbacy of the late Archim. Iakovos Tsalikis (1975-1991), who left a reputation and memory of a holy man and was officially inscribed in the Hagiologion of the Orthodox Church on 27 November 2017, by the Most Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Many Christians from all over Greece visit the Monastery to venerate the holy relics of many Saints and of course of its founder, Saint David the Elder.

Feast Days: Transfiguration of the Lord (6/8), Saint David (1/11), Holy Unmercenaries (1/7), Saint Charalambos (10/2), Dormition of the Theotokos (15/8) and Saint George (23/4).

Abbot: Archim. Gabriel Emmanouilidis (11 monks).

Telephone: 22270.71297 and 22270.71143.

Postal Address: 340 05  Rovies, Evia.