Panagia Eikosifinissa, Orthodox monastery in Amphipolis, Greece
Panagia Eikosifinissa is an Orthodox monastery situated at 753 meters elevation on the northern slopes of Mount Paggaio in northern Greece. The site features several religious and residential buildings arranged around a central courtyard with commanding views across the surrounding landscape.
The monastery was founded around 450 CE by Bishop Sozon of Philippi as a major religious center for the region. During Ottoman rule, the community suffered a devastating attack in 1507 that caused significant loss of monastic life.
The monastery's name refers to the Mother of God and the twenty nuns who lived here, a meaningful reference for the local community. Visitors can observe the simple monastic life and devotion maintained by the current religious community.
The monastery lies about 40 kilometers from Kavala and is reached by mountain roads that require sturdy footwear. Visitors should be aware that the site is actively used by a religious community, and major religious holidays such as the Feast of the Mother of God draw larger crowds.
The monastery served as a school center until 1843 and housed a library with about 1,300 volumes, including 430 handwritten manuscripts of historical importance. Since 1965, it has been led by a female community, a distinctive role for monasteries in this region.
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