Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios in Olympus
The Old Monastery
The Old Monastery was founded in 1542 by Agios Dionysios in Olympus, who came from the village of Sklataina, Mouzaki (today’s Drakotrypa). After spiritual wanderings in Meteora, Mount Athos, Veria and Pelion, he decided to establish the Monastery on the north-eastern slopes of Olympus, at a distance of 17 kilometers from Litochoro, in the Enipea gorge. The location was chosen based on the traditional monastic practice of seclusion and quiet life.
The Monastery quickly evolved into an important ecclesiastical, social and national center. During the Turkish occupation, it functioned as a refuge and meeting place for Macedonian fighters, while contributing to the education and preservation of Greek tradition and the Orthodox faith.
After the bloody suppression of the 1821 revolution in Macedonia, chieftain Karatassos, being at the Monastery, decided to descend to Southern Greece, where he supported Theodoros Kolokotronis in his fight against Ibrahim Pasha in the Peloponnese. In 1828, it was set on fire by the Turks, as it functioned as a camp for the warlords, while during the Macedonian Revolution of 1878 and the Unfortunate War of 1897, it was the refuge of Captain Matapas. Its destruction in 1943 by the Germans during World War II caused a significant loss of valuable relics, books and manuscripts.
In recent years, restoration work has been carried out on the Old Monastery, respecting its original architecture. In the restored katholikon of the Monastery lies the tomb of Saint Dionysios, while at a half-hour distance, the hermitage and holy water of the Saint can be found in a cave.
The New Monastery
After the destruction of the Old Monastery, the monks decided to rebuild it in a new spot. In 1950, the New Monastery of Saint Dionysios in Olympos, which is a Metochi of the Old Monastery, began to be built near the location of Skala, at only 3 km from Litochoro. The location was chosen to facilitate the access of the worshippers and visitors, while at the same time offering the necessary quiet and seclusion for the monastic life.
It was constructed with respect to the traditional architecture of Orthodoxy and Olympus. It has modern buildings but follows the architecture and aesthetics of traditional monasteries. Its katholikon is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, with its altarpiece decorated with icons from 1955 by Fotis Kontoglou.
The Monastery constitutes a spiritual center, while the monks are engaged in, among other things, agriculture, animal husbandry and the production of church items, such as icons, incense and candles. The ground floor of the Sacristy houses important relics and religious objects rescued from the Old Monastery, while on the 1st floor, there is a reading room and library, with rare manuscripts and books, which are valuable sources for the history and tradition of Orthodoxy.
Since 1989, the standard of sainthood has been followed and the avaton was reinstated, as defined by the testament of the Saint. Thus, only men are allowed in the abbot’s area, as it is a male-dominated monastery, and here are the monks’ cells, the work areas, the bank and the Catholic, where the daily services are held.
The rest of the area is open to all visitors every day from sunrise to sunset, except from 13:00 to 15:30, while every Sunday there is a Divine Liturgy in the magnificent pilgrimage church dedicated to Agios Dionysios. Every year, the Monastery celebrates the memory of Saint Dionysios in Olympus on January 23rd.
Contribution and Significance
The Holy Monastery of Agios Dionysios in Olympus, both in its old and new form, has contributed significantly to the spiritual and cultural life of the region. It is a beacon of Orthodoxy and the preservation of the Greek tradition, while continuing to offer spiritual guidance and support to the faithful.
The history of the Monastery is testimony to the endurance and faith of the monks who, despite adversity, kept alive the spirit and legacy of Saint Dionysios. The Monastery remains to this day a vibrant center of worship, spirituality and culture.
Other points of interest near the destination Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios in Olympus
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the natural beauty of Mount Olympus, relaxing on pristine beaches or experiencing modern Greek urban life, Katerini is a destination that promises a memorable and enriching experience.