“Remember us in your prayers” goes the hymn. This plea encapsulates the essence of the Holy Monastery of Agia Skepi.
Agia Skepi translates to Holy Protection. This monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is located in the area of Drosia Attica.
The Holy Monastery of Agia Skepi is a coenobitic women’s monastery. It was founded in 1998. The Catholic of the Holy Monastery is dedicated to the Skepi of the Virgin Mary. It follows the Byzantine rhythm.
Agia Skepi celebrates the feast day of the Holy Protection on October 28th. The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece decreed this in 1952. The feast day coincides with the national holiday of Ohi Day. Ohi Day commemorates Greek freedom from Italian occupation.
The Holy Protection dates back to 626 A.D. The Theotokos saved Constantinople from the Avars then. The church officially established October 1st as the date to honor this miracle.
The Holy Monastery of Agia Skepi is connected to Elder Dositheos. He was from the Holy Metropolis of Sidirokastro. Every Friday the Divine Liturgy is celebrated here. Also on Saturday and Sunday Elder Dositheos delivers homilies. He speaks with the monastery’s pilgrims.
The monastery observes several significant dates. March 25th is the Annunciation of the Theotokos. August 15 is the Dormition of the Theotokos. On the 28th of October Agia Skepi celebrates its feast. This honors the protection and intercession of the Theotokos.
In 1940 a tragedy struck near the island of Tinos. An Italian submarine torpedoed the Greek light cruiser Elli. This initiated Greece’s involvement in World War II. Many miracles were reported during the war.
Agia Skepi stands as a beacon. It represents faith. It honors the Virgin Mary’s protection over Greece. It is a place of prayer and reflection. It reminds us of the strength and resilience of the Greek people.