The Androa Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin (Panagia or Panagouda) is located 6 km from the village of Maries on the western side of Thassos. The Monastery covers an area of 7 acres and has a wall (20 m. length X 2.5 m. height) with the entrance to the east. On the north side of the monastery are the cells of the monks, the library and the temple of the Holy Forerunner. To the right of the entrance to the monastery are the guest house, the kitchen, while to the left of the entrance there is the mansion (1988) and various auxiliary spaces. On the west side is the chapel of Saint John the Forerunner (1985). The central church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built on the site of an older church in 1813, according to foundational inscriptions on the south and west walls. Inside, it is frescoed in 2 main zones with scenes from the life of the Virgin (houses of the Akathistos Hymn). In the church is also the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary (50 cm high X 35 wide) made of mastic, a work of the 15th - 16th century. unknown artist. The Transfiguration of the Virgin is depicted as well as Jesus holding the soul of the Virgin Mary in his hands. Parts of the relics of Saints Cosmas and Damianos, Saints Arsenios of Cappadocia and Osias Xeni are also kept in the Monastery.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis