Saint Gerasimos monastery, the wonder-maker and protector of Kefalonia, the most known monastery on the island.
Gerasimos of Kefalonia was born in 1506 and comes from an aristocratic Byzantine family. He is known for very specific ascetic life, but also by the fact that he foretold his own death.

He became a monk on Mount Athos and was appointed priest in Jerusalem, where he served for 12 years in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. He abandoned Jerusalem continue to lead as a anchorite on the island of Crete and Zakynthos. At 49, he arrives at Kefalonia and his life continues in the same style, this time in a cave near Argostoli, and then moves to the mountainous region of Valsamati, where he founded the monastery in 1559. He died 20 years later.

Gerasimos is known as the healer of people possessed by demons. In the church within the monastery lay his undamaged Holy Relics. Days of this saint is celebrated on August 15 and October 20, when a large number of pilgrims visit the monastery. During these days, the monastery also provides special halls, where for 40 days they can fast and pray in order to free themselves from the demon.

The monastery is known for a specific tradition related to snakes. Every year, during the feast of Saint Gerasimos (August 15 and October 20), snakes appear in the monastery. According to local beliefs, snakes are a symbol of Saint Gerasimos and are considered sacred animals, which do not pose a danger to visitors. According to legend, these snakes are the protectors of the monastery and are blessings for pilgrims who meet them. The phenomenon is very well known among believers and visitors, and snakes usually appear in the vicinity of the monastery, during the time when Saint Gerasimos is celebrated.
You can see a description and photos of the specific features of the monastery, the snakes that appear, here.

The monastery is about 13km from Argostoli and Sami. The road is not complicated. Considering that Kefalonia is a mountainous island, and you have to reach the monastery using curvy and narrow road.

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