Evangelistria Monastery in Skiathos

The Holy Coenobitic Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin - as is its full name - the "Vangelistra" for the locals, is located in the "Agallianoi" position, in the northeastern part of the island, below the highest peak, Karaflytzanaka, at an altitude of about 200 meters. It is about 5 km from the town of Skiathos and you will find it by following a right "exit" on the road to the Castle.

The Evangelistria Monastery, unlike the other monasteries of the island that were built on individual initiative, was the result of a collective effort based on a specific plan in order to meet the needs of a large number of monks. It was built by monks from Mount Athos, and they applied the strict regulations of the Athonite State, with the result that the monastery was initially inaccessible to women.

The construction of the monastery began in 1794 and was completed in 1806. With the exception of the west wing that was destroyed by fire in 1872, the other buildings that the visitor sees today are the original ones and present special architectural interest with morphological elements found in churches of mainland Greece.

The Monastery was a center of revolutionary ferment in all the struggles of the time, as it greatly helped morally and materially both the pre-revolutionary movements and the revolution of 1821. In it in 1807 was designed, woven, blessed and raised the first Greek Flag with the white Cross in the middle on a light blue background. In the library and the Folklore Museum of the Monastery are important exhibits, sacred heirlooms and relics, a real sacred treasure. Many of these are donations from Admiral Lazaros Kountouriotis in 1823 in recognition of the great contribution of the Monastery to the liberation of the nation.

In a specially designed hall are sold products that are collected and prepared by the monks, but also with the voluntary help of the residents of Skiathos. The proceeds from sales support the financial needs of the monastery.

The monastery is flooded with people in all the services, culminating in Holy Week and the night of the Resurrection. Many pilgrims also flock on August 15, where on the eve of the night the exit of the epitaph of the Virgin Mary takes place, in an atmosphere of unique devotion.