Ormylia, the monastery of the Annunciation of the Mother of God

The Monastery of the Annunciation on Sithonia is the largest metochion of Mount Athos outside the Holy Mountain.

The monasteries of Athos have several metochions outside the Holy Mountain. The largest and the most famous of them is the monastery of the Annunciation, or the Monastery of Ormylia, which became the metochion of the monastery of Simonopetra. It is located in a picturesque green area, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and 4 km from the village of Ormylia.

History of the monastery of the Annunciation

Evidence of the existence of the monastery’s metochion at this place belongs to the XII century, and then it was the possession of the monastery of Vatopedi. However, at the beginning of the 20th century there was only a small church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as several monastic buildings. In the summer of 1974, a female monastic community led by the nun Nicodima moved from the Meteora to the old town church, acquired by that time by the monastery of Simonopetra. This happened after Archimandrite Emilian, the spiritual mentor of nuns had migrated to Athos.

After 4 years, they began to build new buildings and repair the old ones. The cathedral church, the refectory and workshops were rebuilt. The works were completed only 15 years later. Since the 80s, the monastery has had a spiritual and social center, which provides assistance to all those in need of support and guidance.

Monastery of the Annunciation today

In the monastery live several novices and 106 nuns, for whom a strict charter is established - during the days of fasting the monastery is closed, and telephone calls are answered at certain times. It is believed that this is the largest female abode in Greece by the number of inhabitants. The main cathedral of the monastery is the temple of Athos cross-domed type with baptistery and aisles. Its walls and dome are decorated with magnificent frescoes and mosaics. In the monastery’s yard there is also a small church, it can be visited at time when the main temple is closed.

The Monastery of the Annunciation is popular among pilgrims. Nevertheless, twice a year it is especially popular and full of visitors. Firstly, this is March 25, when the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated. Secondly, this is July 22, a feast in honor of St. Magdalene, who is considered the patroness of the monastery of Simonopetra. In addition, every Sunday a church service is held in the temple of the monastery, during which you can enjoy the singing of the choir. By the way, it is declared as one of the best female choirs in Greece.

The Monastery of the Annunciation takes pilgrims, and the sisters are willing to talk with them. If you want to stay in it for the night, you have to stand in the queue in advance, after receiving the application, the pilgrims are included in the waiting list. This waiting time can take up to 6 months. It is noteworthy that many nuns of the monastery have medical education and work in the medical center at the monastery.

In the monastery workshops of painting and weaving work, in which sisters create embroidery for the vestments of priests and they do it at the highest level. Nuns write icons in the traditional Byzantine style and publish books, all of this can be bought at a local store. Moreover, one cannot complete the visit without buying olive oil made by nuns according to an old recipe.

What to visit next to the monastery

Just 4 km from the monastery of Ormylia is the village of the same name. It stands on the site of ancient Sermil and it is famous for its fertile soils. Ormylia is interesting for the ancient architecture in the traditional style of Chalkidiki. In addition, here you can buy olive oil of high quality, visit the church of Saint George and watch the old mansions.

The village of Vatopedi is only in 10 minutes’ drive from the monastery of Ormylia. In the Middle Ages there was a monastery, later destroyed by the Turks. Some monastic buildings can still be seen today. And at the same time you could visit the good fish taverns, the church of Saint Panteleimon and walk to the building of the village cultural center, next to which there is an observation deck, which opening a stunning view of Ormylia. As for the nearest hotels, you need to look for them in the resort area of ​​Paralia Vatopedi. This is a developed, but quiet coastal village, where you can book a room in one of the hotels or rent an apartment. Paralia Vatopedi is famous for its clean beach and calm sea. In addition, in 14 km from Paralia the resort of Gerakini is located, a small town with the developed infrastructure and picturesque nature.