North of Porto-Gerakas, on the edge of a cliff, on top of a hill, is a solitary building, the Monastery of Evangelistria. It was built shortly before the middle of the 19th century by the Epirus doctor - botanist Kyriakos Stournaras, who lived as an ascetic in a cave on the opposite mountain.
You can reach the Holy Monastery from Gerakas, turning right from the road of Reichia, 2 km. after Saint John. All the buildings in the inner courtyard are pure white. The archive room is also well organized, where you will learn about the history of the Monastery.
The greatest interest, however, is presented by the church. Tall and bulky, she doesn't immediately reveal her secret. Upon entering, you will notice that it is named after Saint George. However, if you open a door and climb twenty steps in a straight tunnel, you will discover a second floor in the shape of a perimeter corridor, dedicated to Evangelistria. Here you will admire two large images of the Virgin Mary laden with food - one is even said to have been found floating calmly in the sea. After all, it is about one church on top of another and not only that. There is also a third level, inside the same dome, designed by the founder in honor of Saint Paraskevi or the Prophet Elias.
The monastery celebrates on March 25. The atmosphere is also overwhelming on Good Friday morning, when the Epitaph is decorated for the procession around the Monastery at noon. The monastery celebrates St. George once again, as well as on August 31, the anniversary of the Despot's ordination.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
