Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Explore the Sacred Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos in Evia

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos in Prokopi, northern Evia, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Greece and the wider Orthodox world. Inside the church, visitors can venerate the incorrupt relics of Saint John the Russian, which were brought here in October 1924 by Greek refugees from Prokopi in Asia Minor. The majestic church, whose construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1951, has since become a spiritual beacon attracting thousands of pilgrims each year.

 

Life of Saint John the Russian

Saint John was born around 1690 in Asia Minor to Christian parents. As a young man, he served in the army of Peter the Great during the Russo-Turkish War (1710–1711). Captured by the Ottomans, he was sold into slavery to a Turkish official from Prokopi. Despite harsh conditions—living in a stable, enduring poverty, and walking barefoot—he refused to renounce his Christian faith. Each night he prayed in a nearby chapel dedicated to Saint George.

Saint John died on 27 May 1730, at the age of 40. His relics, buried with reverence by the Christians of Prokopi, soon became a source of countless miracles: the lame walking, the blind regaining sight, the sick being healed. Even attempts by the Ottomans to destroy his body failed, as the relics miraculously remained intact.

 

The Monastery Today

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos in Evia offers not only a place of prayer but also hospitality for pilgrims. Its large guesthouse, inaugurated in 1989, accommodates up to 160 visitors and includes conference halls, dining areas, and a small museum. Over the years, it has hosted important Orthodox gatherings, theological conferences, and cultural events. The monastery is also active in charitable work, supporting students, the sick, and those in need.

The feast day of Saint John is celebrated on 27 May, when thousands of faithful travel to Prokopi to honor his memory in an atmosphere of devotion and reverence.

 

How to Get to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos

  • From Chalkida: Follow the main road north towards Prokopi. The monastery is about 45 km (approx. 1 hour) from Chalkida.
  • From Central & Northern Greece: Pilgrims can reach Evia via the port of Arkitsa, cross by ferry to Aidipsos, and then drive south to Prokopi (76 km / 1h 20m from Aidipsos).

Whether you are visiting as a pilgrim or as a traveller interested in the deep spiritual heritage of Greece, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Rosos is an unforgettable stop in Evia.