Panagia Eikosifoinisa Monastery – Spiritual and Historical Center of Northern Greece
If you are on your way to Greece or returning from your vacation and enjoy visiting spiritual centers of Greece, we suggest you visit the oldest monastery and great spiritual center of Northern Greece.
The monastery guards the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “not made by human hands,” which has been an object of worship for centuries. In addition to the icon, this monastery has been preserving the only complete manuscript of the New Testament in the world for centuries.
The Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa is located on the northern slopes of Mount Pangeo, at an altitude of about 753 meters, on the border of the Ser, Kavala, and Drama regions. The complex is surrounded by high walls and dominates the landscape of the region, offering visitors a unique combination of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of the monastery
Tradition has it that the monastery was founded by Bishop Philip of Sozopol around the year 450, and later renovated by Saint German of Palestine in the 8th century. The monastery experienced a period of great prosperity after the 15th century when Ecumenical Patriarch Saint Dionysius I settled there, who is considered its second founder. During the Turkish occupation, this monastery served as a refuge for Hellenic thought and literacy, and is therefore highly respected as a spiritual center of Macedonia.
The history of the monastery includes difficult moments: in 1507, 172 monks were killed by the Turks, in 1917 the Bulgarians looted the monastery, taking away relics and manuscripts, and in 1943 Bulgarian occupation forces set fire to the monastery, destroying a large part of the buildings. In 2016, with a contribution from the Archdiocese of America, the aforementioned 674-page New Testament manuscript, written in the 9th century, which was stolen by the Bulgarians in 1917 and ended up at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, USA, was returned to the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa. It is the oldest complete manuscript of the New Testament in the world. However, despite numerous hardships, the monastery has always been restored and continues to live as an active spiritual center.
Panagia Eikosifoinissa is considered the oldest active monastery in Europe. Over the centuries, it has been a refuge and a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, especially during the period of the National Struggle.
Name and beliefs of the Eikosifoinissa Monastery
The name “Eikosifoinissa” carries rich symbolism and is associated with the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which has been attracting believers for centuries.
Slavic name. Although the name seems to derive from the words twenty + palm tree, it is actually an etymological formation derived from the earlier toponym Kosinitsa, which in turn comes from the Slavic word кошница / košnica. Most likely, this is because the monastery, with its appearance, resembled a beehive – with densely arranged monastic buildings and bustling life within the walls.
Miracle of the Red Light - the most famous interpretation is related to the icon itself. While Saint German decided to paint the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos\, he found suitable wood for the base. When he began to paint\, the base disintegrated\, and the work was impossible. Unhappy about this\, the monk withdrew to prayer\, when suddenly the Theotokos appeared before him in a bright light\, “Phoenician red”. She promised to reward his faith and dedication with a miraculous face. A worker who was next to the cracked board saw a beautiful woman with a child. The Theotokos showed him a wooden base suitable for the icon\, and thus the miraculous image illuminated by the rays of “Phoenician red” - deep red shades of porphyry emerged. Thus\, the icon was named “Holy Red” and became a symbol of indestructible faith and miracles.
Vision of Twenty Palms - another legend ties the name of the monastery to the place where Saint German saw a vision\, surrounded by twenty palms\, which indicated the presence of God’s grace and the beginning of healing for the pilgrims who began to come to him.
The story of two crosses. There is also a story that Saint German, while building a new church on the foundations of the old monastery, found two crosses, from which healing began, attracting pilgrims.
These legends are accompanied by historical events that show how much the monastery was exposed to temptations: Saint German, after building the church, was brutally beaten and tied up because he did not have enough money to pay the builders. At that moment, Byzantine Emperor’s ambassadors Nicholas and Neophytos happened to pass by, who paid the workers and freed the monk.
Despite numerous destructions, looting, and attempts of desecration, the Eikosifoinissa icon has been preserved to this day and remains a symbol of help, protection, and early prayers, with numerous records testifying to the miracles it has performed for the faithful.
Architecture and art
The monastery complex includes the main church - the katholikon - from the 19th century\, while part of the altar (bema) dates back to the early 17th century. The iconostasis is hand-carved and gilded, the work of a master from the island of Chios from the late 18th century. The frescoes inside the church (1858–1865) are the work of the painter Mateja Ioannou from Corinth.
The miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “not made by human hands” holds a special value and place in the monastery.
The union of suffering and renewal
Although it has gone through numerous phases of destruction, the monastery functions today as a female monastic community with about 23–25 nuns. The complex includes:
- Chapel of Saint Barbara with a holy water spring
- Museum with icons and manuscripts
- Library
- Icon painting workshops
Religious calendar - monastery feast days
The monastery celebrates:
August 15th - Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos (spiritual peak)
September 14th - Elevation of the Venerable Cross
November 21st - Presentation of the Most Holy Theotokos;
November 22nd - the day of the founder Saint German
How to get to the Panagia Eikosifoinissa Monastery
From Thassos or Kavala: Upon arriving by ferry in Keramoti, drive towards Kavala, then follow the Egnatia Odos highway towards Serres. Before the village of Galipsos, turn towards Eleftheroupoli and follow the signs for Mount Pangeo and the monastery. The last village in the fertile valley before the mountain road, coming from the direction of Bulgaria, is Nea Bafra. This route is particularly convenient if you are vacationing in Thassos or Kavala and traveling through Bulgaria.
From Thessaloniki: The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. From Thessaloniki, take the Egnatia Odos highway (A2) eastwards towards Kavala/Serres. After Asprovalta and the village of Nea Kardila, at the bridge over the Strimonas (Struma) river, exit the highway (there is an exit) and follow the road straight. You will reach the last village in the valley again, Nea Bafra. From there, you will climb the mountain road and follow the signs to the Monastery. You can return the same way and continue on the highway or follow the mountain road towards Kavala if you are heading towards Thassos. The road passes through beautiful mountain passes, olive groves, and forested areas, making the drive picturesque but requiring caution on winding sections.
The Panagia Eikosifoinissa Monastery is not just a historical monument but a living spiritual sanctuary that offers visitors peace, spiritual elevation, and the opportunity to experience one of the most important places in Orthodox Greece.
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