How did the Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery come to be? The Byzantine-era Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery in Athens stands as a testament to time. It is situated amid the city’s vibrant history.
The Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery is a Byzantine jewel. The monastery’s origins are debated by archaeologists. Some suggest construction spanned from the 12th to the early post-Byzantine era. Others place its construction much later in the 17th century. Valid arguments support both timelines. The debate remains unsettled.
Frescoes within the catholicon date to the post-Byzantine era. The monk’s refectory features a pantry and hearth. This also dates to post-Byzantine times. The monastery possibly overlooks older Byzantine foundations. This older establishment existed during the μεταβυζαντινή epoch. It was from the 15th to 17th centuries.
In 1702, the monastery became the Monastery of Asomaton Petraki. It became part of a chronic dispute. The Holy Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos became a place of worship. The monastery’s sisterhood revived the tradition. This happened in 1942. It became a coenobitic Holy Monastery. It has been a coenobitic Holy Monastery for the last thirty years since 1971.
The female monastery is under the Archdiocese of Athens. It celebrates on September 26. This marks the Transfer of Agios Ioannis Theologos. It also celebrates on May 8. This commemorates the recovery of the holy head. The monastery’s phone number is 210-6528774. You can visit from 12:00 to 16:00. This is during the summer.
The Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos is in Plaka. It stands at the intersection of Erechtheos and Erotokritou streets. This church dates to the late 11th or early 12th century. A bronze coin of Alexios I Komnenos supports this dating. The coin was found on its roof.
Historian K. Zisiou says that Morosini set up canons near the church. These canons destroyed the Parthenon in 1687. Restorations in 1975-1976 helped maintain it. Architecturally, it is a two-columned, cross-in-square church. It features an eight-sided Athenian dome. Three-sided apses are on the east. A narthex is on the west. The church was built with cloisonné masonry. Stones are framed by bricks. Ceramic elements decorate it.
Parts of the wall paintings date to the 13th century. They were created by a local craftsman. The dome features the Pantokrator. The arch of the altar shows the Ascension of Christ. A saint on a horse is in the prosthesis. Heads of Saints Constantine and Helen are also visible. A holy deacon is depicted in the narthex. The frescoes are worth seeing. Few exist in the Athens area.
Tradition says the church was involved in the siege of the Acropolis. This was by the Venetians in 1657. Morosini bombarded the Parthenon from the church courtyard. A cannonball penetrated the Parthenon roof. It ignited gunpowder stored by the Ottomans. This caused significant damage.
The entrance originally had two gateways. The main entrance was on the west side. The other was on the north. The north side entrance was replaced by a window. Small arches top the entrances. An iron arched bell tower is next to the entrance. It was originally above the main entrance pediment.
The interior frescoes came to light after the 1975 conservations. They are among the few from the 13th century preserved today. Local Athens workshops created them. They were later covered by internal coatings.
The figure of Jesus Christ Almighty dominates the dome. The apse of the Holy Step shows the Virgin Mary. She is enthroned and holding the Divine Infant. An angel is present. The Ascension adorns the apse of the Holy Step. Saint George is depicted on the northern side. He is in three-quarter length. A tunic covers his body. He wears a metal breastplate and black shoes. His haloed head has dark hair and intense eyes.
The frescoes on the south wall include two military martyr Saints. One is young and beardless. It may be Saint Dimitrios. The other is older. They wear tunics with wide sleeves. Heads of Saints Constantine and Helen are below them. Constantine the Great wears a decorated Byzantine crown. Saint Helen’s face is visible. Saint Romanos’ icon is preserved in the barrel-vault. Saint Basil is depicted in the narthex on the south wall.
The Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery remains a testament. It connects us to Athens’ rich tapestry. The monastery is at Agiou Ioannou 47, Petroupoli.