Among the rocks and caves of the northern slope of Mount Dikti, at an altitude of 540 meters above sea level, northwest of the coastal village of Pacheia Ammos, Ierapetra, is the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni or Panagia Gournia, as the locals call it, dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. The monastery, which looks like an eagle's nest and offers a breathtaking view of Mirabello Bay with Agios Nikolaos city on its left arm, is an important historical settlement from the XIII century and one of the most sought-after Orthodox pilgrimage sites in eastern Crete.
Continuing the tradition of many generations, every year on August 15 crowds of believers arrive on foot at the monastery to celebrate together the great feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God or "∆εκαπενταυγούστου" / "Decapentiaugustou" (August 15). The monastery also hosts pilgrims from all over Greece during the two-week fasting preceding the feast, who participate with piety, humbleness, and faith in the religious services and various household activities.
The monks and parishioners feel like family at Panagia Faneromeni. It is said that everyone who visits the monastery to pray to the Mother of God comes as if to his mother and opens his heart to her. And she, in her boundless love, welcomes everyone without discriminating.
Enjoy this touching official video report about the pilgrimage and the celebration of the holy feast "Decapentiaugustou", and learn more in our blog post "The Eagle's Nest - The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni in Ierapetra"!
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