LearAn Orthodox oasis
Steeped in centuries of Orthodox tradition, among the rolling mountains of northwest Greece, lies the historic Monastery of St. Athanasios of Zikovista.

Like all Orthodox monasteries, a central aspect of the monastery's identity is to serve as a living example of Christ’s love for all mankind. This ministry can be encapsulated in the word philotimo, a modern Greek expression that represents the combined notions of love, humility, sacrifice and kindness in action. The Sisters have dedicated their lives to making their small Convent into a workshop of Orthodox philotimo.

A workshop for philotimo

Hundreds of pilgrims, families, and their children pass through this Orthodox oasis each year. They come to participate in the rich spiritual life of the monastery; for the stillness and the quiet of the liturgical services, for spiritual guidance; for the monastic hospitality that warms the heart and soothes the soul. People come from as far away as continental Europe, Britain, Australia, and the Americas.

The monastery needs a guesthouse

As the monastery continues to grow and more and more faithful come seeking renewal and edification, the construction of a guest house is apparent. This structure will make the sacred space of the monastery available to all those who come in need.

How to help

The monastery needs to raise $100k to complete the guest house.

Up to this point, the sisters have funded construction in small phases through the sale of their hand-painted iconography and contributions from local donors. The building project has reached a stage, however, that necessitates a sum larger than what the Sister's are able to raise through their own efforts. This effort seeks to help them raise a portion of their remaining needs.

History of the Monastery

St Athanasios, Zikovista began its ministry in 1629. Since then, the monastery has served the local faithful at different times as a school, orphanage, and house of prayer. This holy work was tragically cut short during the War of the Macedonian Struggle (1893–1912), when the monastery was attacked, burned, and abandoned.

After over a century in utter ruins, St Athanasios, Zikovista is now being restored. The small sisterhood is committed to reviving its historic mission of offering philotimo to neighbors both near and far. The sisters have already made significant progress. The church and its historic iconography have been fully restored. The paving of a new mountain road ensures year-round access to the monastery. The Monastery is ready for the people.

Please consider contributing to this sacred mission of offering philotimo by making a contribution to the monastery's new guest house.

About the Campaign Sponsor
This campaign is sponsored on behalf of the Sisters by Critical Relief for Children, Inc. (CRC) a volunteer operated, 501 (c) 3 nonprofit foundation that connects donors to charities.

I've had the opportunity to visit the monastery on many occasions throughout the last few years. I've personally experienced the joy and spiritual impact St. Athanasios provides to all its visitors, particularly Orthodox families and young people.

Donations to this campaign are tax exempt (in the U.S.) and 100% will go to the directly to the monastery.

Michael Boosalis
CRC

Visit the Monastery
Holy Monastery of Saint Athanasius the Great,
Agios Ilias
52200 ARGOS ORESTIKO
KASTORIA
GREECE

A New Guest House for St Athanasios Monastery–Zikovista

By Critical Relief for Children

A New Guest House for St Athanasios Monastery–Zikovista