English
The monastery is located in the depths of the island — about 5 km away from Skiathos town. The Athos monks who founded the monastery have been looking at that time for a place, from which it couldn’t be visible from the sea. The location of the monastery defined the role of this place in the history of Skiathos island: in the days of Ottoman rule Evangelistria monastery sheltered the Greek rebels. In 1807, the Greek flag in its modern form was first woven and raised here. Evangelistria monastery today is one of the most important places in the inhabitant’s daily life. It is a pace for weddings and baptisms, and twice a year, on big holidays, it gathers together almost the entire people of the island. One of such days is March 25: in the evening a service is held, after that a prosphora is given away for people, and then a procession begins with the miraculous icon of Mary Evangelistria. The Divine Liturgy lasts until morning. On the Day of the Assumption of Our Lady, the monastery becomes a destination point for the pilgrims from all over Greece and even world. While taking the Epitaph out of the monastery, all the believers sing psalms to Mother of God — it is hard to see something like that anywhere else.
Some relicts of the saints are kept in the monastery. The library has a collection of tomes, letters and manuscripts of the past centuries. And the museum here exhibits the survived relicts, as well as monks’ everyday life objects.
Entrance to the museum is for an additional fee.
There is also a small store here, selling the goods made by monks. Be sure to check the local wine and liquors.
One more thing you will probably notice about this place is the abundance of cats. They are here for a long time already and feel free like at home.
You can visit the Monasteries of Evangelistria and Kounistra within a day tour.