Panagia Ikosifinissa Monastery

Built on the slopes of northern Paggaio, on the border of the prefectures of Serres and Kavala, the Holy Monastery of Panagia Ikosifinissa is the oldest active monastery in Europe.

Its foundation dates back to the 6th century AD. The Chancel, dating back to the 11th century, has been preserved to this day, while the most famous icon in the monastery is the hand-carved icon of the Virgin Mary in the carved gold-plated wooden iconostasis of the Katholikon.

The monastery has suffered through the centuries from disasters, until its final renovation in the last fifty years. It was the casualty of fires and looting by occupying armies, both during the Revolution of 1821 and in the Balkan and World Wars, because of its action on behalf of the Orthodox inhabitants of the region.

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Ekosifoinissa celebrates on August 15, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on September 14, the Holy Cross, and on November 21, the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.