Agathonos Monastery
The Monastery is located near Ypati, within the unique natural landscape of the Oeta National Park. It stands out for its magnificent church, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The patron icon of PanagiaAgathonos is considered miraculous, and every year, a multitude of believers visit the Monastery to venerate it. The feast days are celebrated on August 6th and 15th. The Monastery has played a significant role in the historical events of the region, contributing valuable work to the struggles of the Greek people. Within this idyllic natural setting, the Monastery houses a Museum of Natural History and a wildlife breeding facility, where visitors can admire a unique habitat.
Agathonos Monastery
At an altitude of 550 meters, on the slopes of Mount Oeta and near Ypati, one can encounter the captivating Agathonos Monastery.
Oral tradition states that the hermit Saint Agathonos practiced asceticism and built the monastery during the 14th to 15th century. However, the first historical record began with the researcher Georgios Lampakis in the 16th to 17th century, mentioning the distinctive Byzantine architectural style of the magnificent monastery.
Today, after enduring damage from the raids of Dramalis during the Ottoman occupation, as well as the effects of time, only a few frescoes have been preserved. Important sacred relics, remains, and treasures can be found in the Monastery's Museum. The oldest book housed in the Museum dates back to 1551 and is a work by Justin Philosopher and Martyr.
During the time of the Greek Revolution in 1821, the Monastery played a significant role by providing its spaces for gatherings of freedom fighters and even monks who participated in the struggle. In recent years, the abbot of the Monastery was Archimandrite Germanos Dimakos, the legendary fighter of the National Resistance known as "Papa-Anypomonos," (transl. impatient) who was a close collaborator of Aris Velouchiotis.
The Monastery has also contributed to education, with various schools such as theological, agricultural, and forestry schools operating at different times. Today, the Museum of Natural History is located there, showcasing the main species of flora and fauna in the Oeta National Park. Additionally, in the Monastery's breeding facility, visitors can admire a unique habitat with chamois, pheasants, partridges, ducks, and various other bird species, as well as deer and wild sheep.
The unique charm of the natural landscape calls upon pilgrims and travelers to make a stop to discover its historical and religious wealth. An ideal time to visit is on August 6th and 15th when the Monastery celebrates. A multitude of believers come to venerate the miraculous icon of Panagia Agathonos during these festive celebrations.
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