Monastery of Ellinika reopens after major restoration

The historic Monastery of Ellinika in Messinia, Greece, held a reopening ceremony on Wednesday, August 12, following a comprehensive restoration of its main church (Katholikon). The ceremony was led by the Metropolitan of Messinia and attended by various clergy, pilgrims, and benefactors.

The restoration project was funded by Athanasios Martinos and supervised by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messinia. The work aimed to return the monument to its original state, addressing alterations made over its long history. Notably, the restoration of frescoes has provided new insights into the structure, suggesting it may date back to an era even earlier than the previously assumed 13th century.

Located east of Anthia, near the ancient Theatre of Thourioi, the monastery serves as a significant historical and religious site. During the service, a new icon of the Virgin Mary, now referred to as Palaiokastritissa, was established.