In August
1826, the monastery proved to be built by a Saint and guarded by God,
given the brave and victorious resistance of the fighters and of the
people who sought refuge in it against Ibrahim's rage. It was a "Noah's
Arc'' that
saved the women and children of Valtesiniko, Vitina and the broader area.
There were 2000 people
hiding inside and outside the monastery. It is said that
members of
Peloponnesian potentate families were among them,
such as the Deligiannis and Spilitopoulos families, from Lagadia and
Dimitsana respectively.
There are two natural caves
in the monastery's interior, each housing a small church: one dedicated to
Saint-Nicolas and another one dedicated to the Ascension of Christ.
All visitors can admire the
magical and mystic environment inside and outside the rock.
The Monastery is officially
recognized as an ancient monument.
The entire area is full of
evidence confirming not only history,
but poet I. Polemis as
well:
«Do not be afraid of the man
who based his hope on faith;
I saw him struggling in life,
but I always saw him INVINCIBLE»
P.S.: An effort is being
made to preserve this Monastery, as well as the Holy Monastery of the
Assumption of the Virgin and the frescos left in them. We appeal to the
competent authorities to support this effort in deed.
5/3/2005
Text: Panagoulia-Koutsoukou Adamantia
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Translation: Maria Koutsoukou