Panagia monastery, Sgourokefali
Constructed in 1989 by nun Irene Papastefanakis, the Monastery has been functioning as a hermitage since 2000, featuring multiple levels. On the first level, to the right of the entrance (in the south), there is a single-nave cemetery chapel.
The second level houses a guest chamber, while the third level contains the monastery’s Catholicon, and the fourth level features the Archontariki (guest house). Above the Archontariki are the cells of the two welcoming monks who currently reside there. The monastery’s Catholicon comprises two naves with an inner narthex; the northern nave is dedicated to Agioi Pantes (All Saints), and the southern nave to the Nativity of Mary. The two naves are connected by three arched openings and a small one in the sanctuary, all supported by three concrete pillars.
The iconostasis is a woodcut adorned with icons of Virgin Mary Odigitria (guide leader), Pantocrator (Almighty), Agioi Pantes (All Saints), the Tree of Jesse, the Nativity of Mary, Virgin Mary Praying, Christ Blessing, and St. John the Baptist Praying. Although the church is set to be fully painted, currently, there is only some artwork on the frieze of the west wall in the south nave, featuring the “Nativity of Mary” depiction, and on the arch of the main church (in the same nave), which is embellished with stars on a blue background.
Location
Panagia monastery, Sgourokefali is located at Panagia monastery, Sgourokefali, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
