One of the oldest monasteries in Chalkidiki, which preserved priceless relics.
There are places in which a person feels something like the grace that came upon him. One of such places in northern Greece is the monastery of Saint Anastasia of Sirmium, in which pilgrims are trembling before the ancient history, the majestic beauty and holiness of this monastery.
The history of the Monastery of Anastasia of Sirmium
The monastery of St. Anastasia of Sirmium is located in Central Macedonia. Moreover, it is not just a religious center of Greece. To be sure of that, it is enough to turn to the history of the monastery. The Empress Theophano, who later became a saint, founded the monastery in the 9th century. She generously donated huge funds and many relics to the monastery.
Unfortunately, no information about the existence and Byzantine period of the monastery's history has been preserved. Therefore, the official date of renovation of the monastery is considered the middle of the 16th century. Then the monk Pheona and his companions, returning from Athos, noticed the ruins of an abandoned monastery. Counting the find as a sign from above, they decided to stay there and restore the monastery. The monastery quickly expanded. Soon it had lands in other areas of Greece, and the number of monks living in it increased from 150 to 300 people.
Despite the destruction because of the attack of the Turks in the XVIII century, in 1821 the monastery was noted in the history of the Greek Revolution. Possessing great authority and capabilities, it provided the rebels with ships for battles and harbored the local population. In memory of these events, a memorial plaque is installed in the monastery. In the same year, the Turks again damaged the monastery. This time they burned a huge archive and library, which contained information about the early life of the monastery, looted its treasury.
The next restoration of the monastery took several years. However, a few decades later a new trouble occurred. This time it was a fire. By the twentieth century, there were no more than 20 monks in the monastery. Today, five monks live here.
Origin of name
The monastery was named in honor of Anastasia Pharmakolytria, i.e. "Deliverer from Potions", a Christian saint who was born in Rome at the dawn of the Christian era. During her life, she showed kindness towards all those in need. She helped persecuted Christians, distributed money without regret and had the gift of healing. In the era of Diocletian, Anastasia received martyrdom. Today, the saint is revered as a defender of spiritual and bodily diseases, patroness of pregnant women and unjustly convicted. She is also prayed for protection from sorcery and is asked to give solace.
The Monastery today
The monastery is located in a mountainous area. It has a serpentine road. Near the gate, you can collect holy water from the spring. The next stop is to be done right at the gate of the monastery. Above them, you can see a mural depicting the saints Pheona and Theophano. If you go to the territory of the monastery, your attention will be immediately drawn to the old stone church, next to which are the monastic cells and the former building of the church school. Behind them is located the temple, which for several centuries of existence was repeatedly rebuilt. The modern version appeared at the beginning of the XIX century, although many other monastic buildings are dated by the 16th century. The walls and arches of the main church are decorated with paintings.
Until 2012, the main reasons to visit the monastery for the pilgrims were the relics of Saint Anastasia. Here the honest head of the holy martyr was kept. However, because of the impudent robbery, the monastery lost its relics and until today, no relics have been found. In the monastery itself, this event is called a tragedy and not otherwise than "kidnapping", not stealing.
In the monastery’s church, pilgrims worship the relics of Saint Pheona, who restored the monastery and the martyrs who were among the founders of the monastery. In addition to the holy relics, the images of Anastasia of Sirmium are considered revered. One of them is especially honored. It is the icon of the XV century, which, according to many pilgrims, is miraculous and gives healing from illnesses. Another important shrine of the monastery is the particles of the Cross of the Lord. Saint Theophania transferred them to the monastery.
There is a church-shop at the monastery, where you can buy traditional rosary "worry beads” or “kombolói", icons, crosses and silver rings with the monogram of Saint Anastasia. Here you can also take candles. Saint Anastasia is asked for health and help to all unjustly convicted. Mostly pilgrims come to the monastery for this purpose. The monastery of Saint Anastasia has a terrace with a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys and the monastic complex itself on its territory. The cloister is also popular as a place for weddings by the old Orthodox traditions.
