Holy Monastery of Myriokefala

The church of Panagia of Myriokefala, located in the village of Myriokefala, served as the main church (Major Temple) of the monastery of Panagia Antifonitria during the 11^th century. Unfortunately, the original monastery no longer exists. It was established by St John the Stranger around 1020 and remained operational until the early 20^th century.

With the exception of the Major Temple, the remaining buildings in the monastery complex date back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The Major Temple itself is a domed cruciform structure. Within its walls, there are preserved frescoes from the 11^th, 13^th and 14^th centuries. The church has gained prominence as a major pilgrimage site within the Metropolis due to the miraculous properties attributed to the icon of the Virgin Mary.

Every year, on 8^th September, hundreds of believers make their way to the village and embark on a pilgrimage on foot to seek the grace of the Virgin Mary.

Photo: wikipedia.

Information: Orthodoxcrete.com