The Transfiguration Monastery of Sotiros (or Flamouri Monastery) is located in the village of Flamouri, in northwestern Pelion. It was founded around 1583 by the saintly monk Simeon the Monochiton and Immaculate (+1594), who received a blessing for the foundation of the monastery from Patriarch Kallinikos III of Zagoria. In Constantinople, Saint Simeon healed the Vizier's daughter and in return received the costs of rebuilding the Monastery, which was recognized with a Patriarchal Seal as a Patriarchal-Stauropigian Monastery. The monastic complex consists of the temple in the center of the courtyard, and a series of two-story buildings with arches around the perimeter. The church was founded in 1595 and completed in 1602. It is a five-domed cruciform basilica of the Athenian type with frescoes on the ceiling and iconostasis. The chariot of Saint Simeon and the right hand of Saint Gerasimos the Younger are kept here. The Monastery, which is not accessible to women, operates today with 4 monks. It celebrates on April 19, the day of memory of Saint Symeon, as well as on August 6.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis
