Agios Georgios

Whispers of a divine dream echo through the ages here at Agios Georgios Epanosifis. A monk named Paisios, seeking refuge in a small church dedicated to Saint George, dreamt of the saint himself. Saint George urged Paisios to stay and expand the church. This dream became the seed of what we now know as Agios Georgios Epanosifis. One of the oldest and largest monasteries on Crete, Agios Georgios Epanosifis sits about 30 kilometers south of Heraklion. The very name “Epanosifis” tells a tale. The landowner, Langouvardos, had two shepherds both named Sifis. He distinguished them as “Epano-Sifis” (Upper Sifis) and “Kato-Sifis” (Lower Sifis). The monastery, built on Epano-Sifis’s land, took its name. Agios Georgios Epanosifis was more than just a monastery. It became a beacon of learning and spirituality, especially during the Ottoman occupation. It served as a school, a library, and a sanctuary. Tragically, in 1821, eighteen monks were martyred by the Ottomans. They are now venerated as New Martyrs of the Church. Years later, in 1856, a devastating earthquake destroyed the original church. A new church, dedicated to Saint George and the Transfiguration of the Savior, was completed in 1863. Look closely at the doorways. They are adorned with intricate relief motifs. The monastery’s architecture is a testament to its enduring history. The monks’ cells, some dating back to the 17th century, cluster together, whispering stories of generations past. Today, Agios Georgios Epanosifis thrives as a place of worship and pilgrimage. Its sacred relics, icons, and manuscripts are a tangible link to Crete’s rich religious heritage. The monastery’s feasts, on April 23rd (Saint George’s martyrdom) and November 3rd (translation of his relics), draw pilgrims from far and wide to celebrate the enduring legacy of Agios Georgios.