The real symbol of the island of Corfu is the ancient monastery of Vlacherna. It is his unforgettable appearance that appears on memorable postcards, photographs and souvenirs that are sold in these places. This monastery has absorbed all the most beautiful things and is located in the most unusual place on the island.
The Vlacherna Monastery is located on a small peninsula, which is located a few hundred meters from the island. Its entire area is occupied by a white-stone monastery and a small chapel.
A specially constructed bridge connecting the island with the monastery makes it possible for everyone to visit this holy place. You can also get to the monastery by boat, which can be rented on the shore.
The monastery was founded several centuries ago, and the white stone chapel was added in 1685. Prayers are held every day in this quiet, peaceful place.
Zoodoukhou Pigis Monastery
The Zoodukhu Pigis monastery was founded in the 13th century on the top of a mountain in Paleokastritsa. Translated, the name means “Life-giving Source.” From the courtyard of the monastery you can admire a stunning view of the sea. On the territory of the monastery there is a museum where you can learn how olive oil is made. You can also visit the museum of church vestments and utensils.
On the territory of the monastery there is a “Wishing Well” to which everyone who has an unfulfilled dream stands with their backs and throws a coin over their shoulder, trying to get it into the well. Zoodoukhou Pigis Monastery is small in size, but its entire territory is surrounded by flowers, and there are also many citrus trees. In addition to the excursion, it is interesting to look at the peacocks and ducks living in the monastery, and observe the several dozen cats living here.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
The Paleokastritsa Monastery is located in the area of the same name in the west of Corfu.
The monastery is dedicated to the Mother of God, the Greek name sounds like Moni Theotoku. The modern buildings date back to the 17th century; the new monastery was erected on the site of a monastery built in the 13th century. On the territory of the monastery there is an arched courtyard and a small museum of Byzantine icons and icons of a later era. The interior of the monastery is the standard of classical monastic architecture. From the top of the monastery walls there are beautiful views of the islands, one of which, according to legend, may be the “Ship of Odysseus”. The monastery has a pleasant atmosphere of calm and comfort.
The Paleokastritsa area itself is considered the most beautiful on the island; it is very popular among tourists, who often visit the monastery.
Monastery of the Virgin Mary
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary is the largest monastery on the island of Corfu, located in Paleokastritsa. From here you have a beautiful view of the sea and nearby islands.
The monastery was founded in 1225 on the site of an old fortress, of which not even ruins remain. Most of our modern buildings date back to the 17th century. The architecture of the monastery attracts with its pleasant atmosphere of comfort. Gardens and small courtyards give a feeling of peace.
The interior buildings of the monastery are considered a classic example of monastic architecture in Greece.
Currently, the abbot and eight monks live in the monastery. The monastery is open to visitors in the morning. The monks will be happy to guide you around their territory. There is also a Museum of Icons here. The monks produce olive oil and wine, which you can purchase.
The monastery is not so popular among tourists, so it is not crowded.
Monastery "Zoodokhu Pigi"
The active monastery is "Zoodokhu Pigi", which means "Life-Giving Source". The monastery was built in the 13th century and is located on a hill jutting out into the sea in Paleokastritsa.
Sights of Kerkyra (Corfu)
09.04.2018
If you are planning a holiday in a hot country, but at the same time want there to be interesting cultural places, then the island of Corfu is the best choice. This Greek island of the Ionian group of islands is famous for its beautiful nature and warm sea.
In addition, there are ancient interesting places, surrounded by the original mood of Greek mythology. Holidays here can be varied, inspiring, and at the same time very peaceful. Let's talk more specifically about the advantages of Corfu in order to imagine where the Paraskeva Monastery of Corfu is located.
Advantages of Corfu resort
You just have to enter “Corfu” in a search engine, and everything immediately becomes clear. Pictures and photographs that appear here and there on the site will vividly tell you what kind of island this is. Its clear azure sea and unprecedented exotic lush vegetation, as well as beautiful coastal cliffs will immediately make it clear that this is a real paradise. Let's walk together through its main attractions and striking highlights.
- Corfu is a real beach island. Here you will find a huge number of different beaches. You can lie on the sandy shore or go to the pebble beach. In addition, the island has a large number of different picturesque bays and bays. They are distinguished by a more secluded mood, in which it is so good to immerse yourself in the contemplation of enchanting nature or unity with it. Such places are also ideal for a relaxing family holiday.
- And if you also rent a boat, you can sail to several of these bays at once. In addition, you will see the unprecedented beauty of marine nature. For example, various grottoes and sea caves look very beautiful. And the lush greenery of the beautiful local vegetation, which wraps around the coastal cliffs, delights with its colors and freshness. Most likely, it is thanks to her that Corfu is called the Emerald Paradise. In addition, you will certainly be captivated by the local underwater world. It is distinguished by its bright colors and very friendly inhabitants. On the island of Corfu you can find joyfully swirling schools of colorful fish, as well as octopuses, crabs and starfish. Interestingly, the colors of these marine inhabitants often amaze tourists - for example, you can find bright blue crabs here. It is also interesting that these underwater inhabitants swim very close to the shore, without being afraid of many tourists.
- If we talk about the terrestrial natural part of the island, it also amazes with its beauty and riot of color. In Corfu you can see entire orange orchards, as well as plantings of cypress and olive trees. And pear, fig and blackberry trees will not only shelter you and your group on a hot sunny day, but will also treat you to juicy ripe local berries and fruits. In addition, there are coniferous groves on the island that will remind you of your homeland. There is such a variety of colors and types of plants. It is remarkable that in the midst of this vegetation you can often find some interesting places. For example, while walking through mountain groves of Greek trees, you can easily come across an old abandoned fortress or a functioning monastery.
- Places like these are the main cultural and spiritual heritage of Corfu. They capture the spirit of this Greek island very well. There are other attractions of a more cultural nature. Such as, for example, the local palace, which regularly attracts dozens of tourists. Its luxurious decoration and rich furnishings convey the spirit of the royal family. The fact is that their dacha was located here. Also very interesting is the local central square of Spianada. On it you will find many interesting sculptures. You can study them all day - it’s so interesting in this square, which, by the way, is rightfully considered the most beautiful square in Greece. In addition, the local taverns that surround Spianada, and of which there are many throughout the island, also convey the spirit of Corfu very well. Here you can always taste local cuisine, and at an affordable price. Remember that Greek portions are very large and filling. So, don't order too much. Locals are very fond of potatoes, rice and pasta. In addition, the Greek table is rich in snacks from fresh vegetables and fruits. And a particularly pleasant moment for tourists is dessert in Corfu. There are a lot of varieties of homemade ice cream here. It is offered in unlimited quantities to hotel guests or in shops and shops on the island.
Monastery of Saint Paraskeva
This stunning spiritual place is located near the village of Kinopiastes on the slope of a picturesque hill. Hundreds of pilgrims come here every year to visit this amazing monastic monastery. The monastery is also visited and revered by local residents. Let's talk about some of its features in order to most vividly immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of monastic life.
- Saint Paraskeva is the most revered of all the saints of Corfu. 4 monasteries are dedicated to this amazing personality, as well as almost 50 churches in the local area. Many healings and miracles took place in the monastery, thanks to the holy relics and the amazingly spiritual atmosphere here.
- It is difficult to reconstruct data regarding exactly when the monastery was built. But it is reliably known that over the past 5 centuries the Monastery of St. Paraskeva has been rebuilt three times. You can find mentions of this area in chronicles of the 16th century.
- Unfortunately, over the centuries, the servants of this cathedral had various everyday problems. The monastery almost fell into decay more than once. But the faith of the local residents only grew, and they did not give up. In various manuscripts you can find information that the temple's utensils were very poor - 4 candle censers made of bronze, a silver crown on the icon of Paraskeva, as well as books for services.
- More or less good improvement of this monastery began only in the century before last. Local nuns took over the furnishings of the monastery, and things began to improve. Many give credit to the nun Nymphodora, who helped bring things in the right direction.
- The main shrine of this monastery is considered to be the icon of St. Paraskeva. It is believed that it was painted by a Russian icon painter. In any case, this is clearly evidenced by the execution of the icon. In addition, parts of the relics of St. Paraskeva and St. Joseph the Sanctified are kept in the monastery.
Corfu Saint Paraskeva hospitably awaits tourists on an excursion to her monastery!
Read also:
What is the name of the monastery in Paleokastritsa?
Where is Lefkimi Corfu located on the map?
Where is Liapades located on the map of Corfu?
Where is Messonghi of Corfu island located on the map?
Where is Perama located on the map of Corfu?
Where is Paleokastritsa located on the map of Corfu?
When you go on holiday to Corfu, you are heading towards a journey filled with fascinating local nature, the warm Ionian Sea, and many places of interest.
The temples of Kerkyra, the capital of Corfu, fascinate with their originality and special spiritual mood. In addition, the monasteries of Corfu are also open to the public, and can also convey a special spirit of renunciation and spiritual fulfillment. It should be noted that it is typical for Greek resorts to have here and there many different fortresses, ruins of castles, and especially lush beautiful temples or cozy churches.
In some of them you can find the relics of saints, which are kept in special crayfish. These relics are proof that after death the soul continues to live. And there are often many evidentiary arguments for this. So, for example, the relics of St. Spyridon in the local Temple of St. Spyridon lie next to the sandals. That is, the shoes lie here as a sign that Spyridon wanders all the time, as the savior of many souls.
And what is most surprising is that these shoes wear out at regular intervals. For local residents, this is indisputable proof that Spyridon continues to wander and help people, despite the fact that his relics are kept in the church. Although even to them it may be impossible to reach. Sometimes the double lock in the special shrine of the temple where the relics of Spyridon are kept simply does not open. The Corfinians also say that at these moments this great Saint wanders, helping the world.
As you already understand, the holy places that are located in Corfu are a separate attraction of the island. But let's talk about everything in order. It is worth noting in general how this corner of the Earth differs in order to understand what kind of atmosphere reigns here.
Corfu - the secret to a happy holiday
Corfu, Greece is one of the most popular resorts, which attracts hundreds of tourists every year. In Corfu you can meet tourists from Russia, Germany, China, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, America, Belarus, as well as from many other large countries.
Why is holiday in Corfu so popular? Many of the most important components of a calm, peaceful holiday on a paradise island are concentrated here. After all, no matter how different we are, many people are pleased to find themselves in a place with an azure sea, soft warming sand, fruitful trees and interesting cultural places. So, let's immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere of calm and happy holidays.
- Corfu offers tourists dozens of beaches with the best conditions for relaxation. You can relax there as well as possible, forgetting all the problems and bustle of big cities. Moreover, almost everyone will find a place to their liking. Corfu has both sandy and rocky coastlines. In addition, some beaches are completely civilized, offering their vacationers good sun loungers and umbrellas, while others, on the contrary, are completely wild. On the first, you can go all out in water activities, and on the wild beaches it’s the best chance to retire and sit in a meditative state.
- In addition, the local coastal nature is simply mesmerizing! It is on this paradise island that you can see rocks by the sea, entwined with evergreen flowering plants. It is there that you can find local churches or some small Greek cathedral. It is very interesting to walk through such mountains, and the fresh air will charge you with energy for a long time to come. Just imagine that, after getting tired of the local sun, you can go to the orange orchards to hide between the shady trees. Also near the sea you can find beautiful olive or cypress trees, as well as thickets of fresh juicy blackberries. Here, as well as possible, you will be able to relax, refresh, and, perhaps, even enjoy local fruits. It is very practical to have some kind of container for fruit with you, because there are so many fruit and berry trees in Corfu. After such a promenade through the natural places of the island, it is wonderful to take an excursion to some nunnery. They are found on the island of Corfu. This will be the perfect plan for a walk in the mountains. We hope that the local nature will be hospitable to you, and you will come across fresh fruits, as well as interesting educational places on the island.
- Another attraction of the island is its local residents. They are simply amazingly warm and hospitable people! Corfinians love visitors very much, which is why they often own their own mini-hotels in order to welcome tourists from all over the world all year round. The Greeks honor their traditions and know a lot of interesting things. After all, a nation with such a rich mythology is distinguished by its uniqueness and originality! We can also say that the locals are spiritually developed, which is probably why there are so many different temples and churches in Corfu. All of them, in the best possible way, can convey the characteristics of this nation. And, speaking even more broadly, people should not be separated by national boundaries. That is why the shrines of the island of Corfu broadcast a mood that everyone can understand. After all, we all speak the same language - the language of love. Sometimes it is simply drowned out by the loud voice of pain in our hearts. This is very clear when you get into one of the churches and see local residents there. It feels like you are on the same wavelength with them, and you don’t even notice the language barrier.
- Of course, it is worth noting the mild climate of the island. Without him, this entire resort would probably not exist. After all, it is these weather conditions that attract the maximum number of tourists. The local temperature does not rise above 30 degrees, which is very favorable for relaxation. In addition, the Ionian Sea is considered quite warm, soft and clean. But most tourists come to such places precisely to plunge into the sea.
- I would also really like to mention the underwater world of Corfu. It will captivate with its beauty and diversity. Here you can find whole schools of colorful fish, as well as starfish, crabs and octopuses. They all have bright, fancy colors. And what is most surprising is that these sea inhabitants are not at all afraid of those who swim in the sea. Thus, if you go to this resort, you can forget about any water parks and dolphinariums. The Ionian Sea will give you so many emotions, sensations and impressions that you will not want to go on such excursions. And, of course, don’t forget to take cameras with you to photograph this entire underwater world, and remember the beautiful fish at home for a long time.
- And, of course, among the highlights of Corfu are its many cultural attractions. It’s worth starting with the fact that it was in Corfu, according to mythology, that the wedding of Jason and Medea took place. Remember the myth about the theft of the famous Golden Fleece. They were the ones who kidnapped him. Jason and Medea can be understood - is it possible to find a more picturesque place for a wedding? In addition, in many cultural places you will learn a lot about the island. It feels like it is covered in all sorts of myths, traditions and legends. We highly recommend visiting the central square of Kerkyra. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Greece. And indeed, it is very interesting here - along the entire perimeter of Spianada Square there are statues of Greek women. Each is depicted in a different pose and with unique attributes in their hands. Taking a walk here is very interesting and educational. The square is surrounded by a network of local cafes and taverns that hospitably welcome tourists from all over the world. After all, local cuisine is also a separate attractive attraction of these places. In the tavern after the excursion you can order a meal that will be replete with potatoes, pasta and fresh vegetables. These are the priorities of local residents. In addition, be prepared for the portion to be very large and impressive. All Greeks are particularly generous with the amount of food they eat. Also a very interesting place to visit is the local palace, which at one time housed the summer residence of the local royal family. Now it is a more cultural place, which is distinguished by its bright and lush decoration. In any case, visiting here is very, very interesting. It is also worth going to the Corfu Monastery, which is located on a separate island. Its distinctive feature is that the island practically replicates the size of the monastery. No more, no less. And nearby there is the same tiny island called Mouse Island - popular excursions are also available to it. There is a belief that Poseidon was angry and turned Odysseus’s ship into stone, which is what this island is. In general, there are a lot of monasteries and churches on the island, as already mentioned. So let's talk about them in more detail.
Temples and monasteries on the island of Corfu
If you come to Corfu, then you should definitely visit at least a few local temples, monasteries and fortresses. You can sit in some of them for half a day in a row, secluded in your calm, prayerful state. And others attract with their regal decoration, rich iconostasis and interesting history.
Plunging into all these subtleties of the monastic life of Corfu, you understand the mood of the local residents and these places as well as possible. In addition, such excursions allow you to look into the depths of your own heart. After all, services and spiritual lectures, if you have a translator, can inspire everyone. Let's talk about the most striking monasteries and churches of Corfu, which best convey the spiritual mood of the island.
- Perhaps the most important and famous is. It is in the center of the island's large, hectic streets. It is not without reason that they say that Spyridon is the patron saint of Corfu, because this temple has a very rich spiritual heritage. As already mentioned, the temple contains the relics of St. Spyridon. It is they, as proof of a miracle, that regularly attract hundreds of tourists to the temple. That is why the doors of this large temple are never closed. Hundreds of people from different parts of the world want to come into contact with the pure personality of Spiridon. In addition, this church is the richest temple in the East. Now you can imagine its scale. Everything here is done quite brightly, large-scale and pompously. This perfectly conveys the status of the Temple of St. Spyridon. Even those who are not so close to spirituality come to this place to see its interior with their own eyes and admire the exterior of the building. The local decoration is similar to some pieces of art.
- The Cathedral of Our Lady of Spiliotissa is very interesting to visit. This church was built in the mid-16th century. Here you can see amazing ancient icons. Among them are Byzantine icons and icons of the Ionian heritage. In the cathedral you will meet the famous two-faced icon of the Virgin Mary. The thing is that this sacred icon is painted on both sides. It looks very unusual and fascinating, so we definitely recommend visiting this amazing place. A visit to this temple can be more cultural or museum-like in nature, although immersing yourself in its spiritual heritage can also give you a glimpse into your heart.
- And another most interesting place to visit is the Church of St. Nicholas. Here are the relics of Empress Theodora of Constantinople. Her husband at one time was imbued with the idea that all icons should be destroyed - iconoclasm. He issued a decree that all icons of the state must be destroyed. Thus, the country became very poor spiritually. But when he passed away, his wife revived spiritual traditions and the worship of beautiful icons. True, Theodora’s life was filled with many trials. When her son came to power, he turned out to be as harsh as his father. He sent his mother to a monastery. But Theodora took this as a mercy in order to give herself to the Lord. Therefore, the relics of this amazing woman are kept in the temple.
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Shrouded in greenery, the most emerald of all the Greek islands, the capital of the Ionian Archipelago - Kerkyra (Corfu) is well known in the Christian world: a truly holy place. It is here that pilgrims from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova flock to honor St. Spyridon of Trimythous, the great wonderworker. After all, it is through his intercession that extraordinary miracles happen, the main thing is to believe in it and the miracle will really happen!
By the way, about miracles: rumor spread among the people that Saint Spyridon is the best helper for those who want to achieve financial success (naturally, not through scams). Although the Saint performed many other miracles...
To the holy places of Kerkyra (Corfu)
There are about 400 Orthodox churches and monasteries on the island. But they are also different, tourist and traditional, where people come to pray and communicate with the monks, who themselves call the monastery a spiritual hospital, necessary for the human soul just like a doctor for any illness. It is when you get acquainted with the spiritual heritage of the island that you become imbued with its warmth and Orthodox traditions.Four abodes of power and miracles
Among the most famous monasteries close to the capital of the island are several:The Monastery of St. Euphemia, where the real prayer book of Kerkyra has been living for 17 years, a very friendly and sweet girl who prayed to many people and believes that the main thing for her is not to participate in the bustle of the world, and the two old women who lived with her died not so long ago, bequeathing her to live in poverty and in prayer. Kerkyra is surrounded by 2 guard dogs and a family of goats. Mother venerates the miraculous 10th century icon of St. Euphemia and the Mother of God Eleusa, near them you can leave notes for your loved ones, and the caring nun treats each pilgrim to aromatic, strong Greek coffee, which she brews herself.
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary Kassiopithra attracts every pilgrim with its unusual beauty and warmth. The main shrine of the monastery is the miraculous icon depicting the Most Holy Theotokos, which restores sight to the boy Stephen, who was unjustly accused and blinded in the 16th century. Since then, they have prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos Kasopitre for healing from eye diseases and injustice. Archimandrite Polycarp, a disciple of Elder Paisius the Holy Mountain, lives in the monastery; it keeps a huge number of shrines from all over the world. The open-air Lographic Museum amazes with its utensils collected from the Kanoni Peninsula, where this wonderful little monastery is located, and the priest’s collection of 33 amphibious turtles leaves neither children nor adults indifferent.
The monastery of St. Paraskeva in Kinopiastes is located on the hillside above the village of Kinopiastes - this is a place of pilgrimage not only for local residents, but also for guests from afar. In addition to the miraculous icon of St. Paraskeva, which was painted by a Russian icon painter from Athos, the right hand (right hand) of St. Paraskeva, brought from Holy Mount Athos in the 17th century, as well as part of the relics of St. Joseph of Crete. It is no coincidence that this icon was painted by an Athonite monk 4 centuries ago, and when you turn to it, you need to look into its eyes. Paraskeva helps people with their desire to have a child and with vision diseases. A huge number of Russian tourists now return here and tell the miracles of healing to Mother Nymphodora. The sisters treat and talk to the pilgrims as if they were family, saying that Russians and Greeks are one family in Christ and give that gracious help that every human soul needs.
The monastery “Pantokrator Kamarela” near the village of Agia Douli, is named after the spring of the same name, near which Elder Saphronios prayed and handed over the monastery to his sister several centuries ago. Mother Pelagia has lived in the monastery since she was 3 years old and through her prayers many miracles have happened; besides her, 3 more sisters live in the monastery. In the monastery there is an icon of the “Queen of Angels”, near which the elder prayed and a piece of the relics of Mary Magdalene and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The monastery produces excellent wine and cold-pressed olive oil. You don’t want to leave this cozy and beautiful monastery; you can feel grace everywhere here! Wild cyclamens grow in the olive grove; throughout the monastery there are many different flowers and plants, orange and lemon trees.
For many pilgrims, these monasteries forever settled in their hearts, filling them with warmth and God’s grace. Corfu is an island where a piece of your soul remains!
On December 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Spyridon of Trimythous. The celibate relics of the Saint are located in the temple named after him on the Greek island of Corfu, and thousands of believers from all over the world come to venerate them. There are especially many of our compatriots among them. Russian pilgrims love this island, whose heavenly patron is Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the great wonderworker. But female representatives can go there next year not only as pilgrims, but also as workers. For example, to the monastery of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva. His abbess, Abbess Fotinia (Marshal), visiting our country and its Orthodox monasteries, takes home the warmest memories. And when pious girls and women from Russia come to her to work for the glory of God, mother greets them warmly. That’s why we decided to talk about a Greek monastery that has established a living spiritual connection with Russia.
It is located on the Greek island of Corfu, 26 kilometers from the capital of the island - the city of Kerkyra. This monastery was named in honor of the Venerable Martyr Paraskeva, who was born in the 2nd century in Rome and managed to lead many pagans to the true faith. Girls pray to her, as well as to the holy martyr Paraskeva (Friday), especially beloved and revered by the Russian people, for the gift of a husband - their soul mate, in order to become one with him, to create a strong family.
The monastery in Corfu was founded by the God-loving women of the village of Sgourades in 1883. In the 20th century, when it reached its peak, about fifteen nuns lived here. Then they grew old, left for another world, and the monastery began to decay and collapse. But since 2001, with the blessing of Metropolitan Timothy of Kerkyra and Elder Ephraim of Athonite, nun Photinia began to restore it, selflessly saving it from the devastation that was spreading everywhere. She was here alone for five years, then sisters began to appear, striving to see monastic life from the inside. And for four years now, together with its abbess, the young nun Gabriela, originally from St. Petersburg, has been laboring in the Greek monastery.
And we met a guest from Greece at the Conception Stauropegic Convent when she came to the international scientific and practical conference “Monasteries and Monasticism: Traditions and Modernity.” As always, Mother Photinia stayed at the Moscow convent, which, according to her, was being revived before our eyes. On each of her visits, she saw such dramatic changes in the appearance of the monastery and its spiritual life that her heart was filled with joy and gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos for Her protection of the most ancient shrine, which had gone through incredibly difficult times. Another abbess from Greece, when in Russia, visits Diveevo, worships dear Father Seraphim, plunges into the holy spring and prays with the sisters, so close to her heart.
Going to this meeting, I already knew about the amazing life path of Abbess Photinia (Marshal). She, a Frenchwoman from a wealthy Parisian family, studied at the Sorbonne, where she received an excellent education. From her youth, her soul reached out to God, and after a while the Lord led her to Greece. Mother speaks Russian well and in her spare time translates soul-helping books from Russian, English, Greek into her native French (to name some of them: “Letters to Abbess Taisia”, “Instructions of the Valaam Elder Nazarius”, “The Life and Miracles of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker”). .
The island of Corfu (or Kerkyra in Greek, “home of the mountains”) attracts Russian believers like a magnet, and not surprisingly. Many people come here to venerate the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous - one of the strongest prayer books with great boldness towards the Lord. It is the Russian people, according to the abbess, who are providing great assistance in the revival of the monastery of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva. Moreover, this help most often comes on the days of celebrating the memory of the Saint.
“I remember how incredibly difficult it was to begin the restoration of the dilapidated monastery,” said my interlocutor. “I tried to sell part of the land in order to gain at least some funds and hire one or two workers. In the city, I met one of our architects, who prepared the necessary papers for selling the land. Having learned about the plight of the monastery, he invited me to meet with the Russian, calling him the right hand of another Russian man building a house in Corfu. I agreed, and soon Vladimir came to our monastery. I just had three girls from Russia. We were sitting in the kitchen, and streams of water flowed through the leaky roof. The guest reassured us, saying that he would try to do something for us. I soon found out that he called the man, Mikhail, whose construction of the house he supervised. And on the feast of St. Spyridon, Vladimir asked to meet in the city. We met, Vladimir gave me the money that was urgently needed to begin the restoration. After some time, I met Mikhail himself, and he became the main benefactor of our monastery. And not only a benefactor, but also a friend and brother. He comes to us for obedience: he prepares firewood for the winter, and performs other work that requires considerable physical strength.
“Mother, bless me to tell you about the incident connected with the car,” nun Gabriela, who accompanied the abbess on her trip to the conference, entered the conversation.
The abbess gave her blessing, and nun Gabriela told how they had struggled with the old car for a long time, but it was on the eve of the feast of St. Spyridon that the abbess received a call from her acquaintance Sergei, who had flown to Corfu from Russia and offered the money needed to buy a new car.
How Russian people help us! – Mother Superior said with gratitude. And she added:
Saint Spyridon is especially dear to your compatriots. But there is one more circumstance that firmly connects this region with Russia. True Russian patriots honor their history and know the important fact that at the end of the 18th century, the island of Corfu, like other Ionian islands inhabited by Orthodox Greeks, was occupied by French troops. Vice Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, who was sent here, addressed a written appeal to the inhabitants of the islands, calling on them to assist in “overthrowing the intolerable yoke” of the godless French. And the islanders began to help the Russian squadron. The islands of Tserigo, Zante, Kefalonia, and Santa Mavra were liberated. And when the island of Corfu, which had first-class fortresses, fell, on the first day of Holy Easter, Admiral Ushakov invited the clergy to make a religious procession with the removal of the relics of St. Spyridon. The relics were surrounded around the fortifications, and the Russian winner himself supported the tomb. And in this century, an icon of the holy righteous warrior Theodore (Ushakov) with a particle of his relics was brought to Corfu from Russia...
These events can be called intertwining the threads of history, as a result of which the independent Greek Republic or the Republic of the Seven Islands was created, which became the prototype of modern Greece.
Now, I think, it’s time to talk about the invitation of the abbess, Abbess Fotinia, to the monastery on the island of Corfu. Working women from Russia have come there more than once. Their help was especially important during the olive harvest, since the olive garden there is quite large - it has about 800 trees. Mother said that if someone wants to visit the monastery and live in it, they need to call or write to her in advance so that they can decide for how long and at what time of the year to take in a believing girl or woman. Because it’s one thing if someone comes to pray, work, and get acquainted with the Christian shrines of the island. And another thing, if a female representative is thinking about monasticism and is going to test by experience whether she has this calling. Then the period of stay in the monastery can increase significantly.
As for labor, I remember the wonderful words of St. Seraphim of Sarov: “There is no greater obedience than obedience to the Church! And if we just wipe the floor in the house of the Lord with a rag, God will place it above any other work... And where can we rejoice in spirit, heart and all our thoughts, if not in her, where our Lord Our Lord Himself is always present with us.”
Here are the coordinates of Abbess Photinia:
Telephone: +30 26630 92207
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
And in continuation of the conversation about Orthodox miracles, I want to ask: isn’t it a miracle that the Lord brought to Greece - the cradle of Orthodoxy - people from other countries, a French woman and a Russian woman, who work and pray together, restoring the island monastery?
“Prayer is strengthened by practice,” Abbess Photinia said in parting. – If you pray a lot, practice prayer day and night, then it begins to pour out of your soul. And then everything works out.
It also turned out that some Russian girls, who prayed to the holy Martyr Paraskeva for a betrothed, were able to arrange their personal lives after returning from the monastery. As Mother Fotinia said, girls send her wedding photographs, and she looks at them with a warm feeling from time to time. It would seem that just recently these young workers were here picking olives, collecting brushwood for heating, helping in the renovation of premises, sparing no effort - and here they are in the photographs in long white dresses, beautiful and happy!
Nina Stavitskaya
Photo: Vladimir Khodakov
