On the island of Andros, visitors can explore five monasteries, including the oldest monastery in the Aegean Sea: the Holy Monastery of Panachrantos and Saint Panteleimon.
Perched at an altitude of 600 meters on the northern slopes of Mount Gerakones, the monastery stands proudly like a fortress, having overlooked the island since 961 AD. It was founded by Nikephoros Phokas upon his return from the Byzantine campaign against the Arabs in Crete.
In recent years, however, the historic monastery has also become a sanctuary for contemporary Greek art. Its imposing, restored tower now houses “The Art Treasury – A Gallery Dedicated to Spirituality and Contemporary Creation.”
The monastery houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist, as well as the holy skull relic of Saint Panteleimon. Its abbot, Elder Evdokimos, is 93 years old and has lived there for the past 70 years.
“When I first arrived, the monastery was in ruins. There were no rooms, no dining hall, and no kitchen. Thanks be to God, with the help of many people and a generous shipowner, we managed to restore it. Today, it is beautiful and well cared for,” Abbot Evdokimos told Euronews.
