The Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis (Source that gives life) also called Ailiotissa, is located in the beautiful island of Samos in the northeast at 400 meters above sea level and five kilometers from the Monastery of Agia Zoni.

Its elevated position above Mount Rabaidoni on the promontory of Prassos near the village of Kosmadei in a lush ravine full of bushes, plane trees and pine trees, gives its visitors an enchanting view of the majestic Aegean Sea overlooking the ancient cities of Ephesus and Mycali on the opposite coast of Asia Minor. The landscape that surrounds it is still in its original natural state just as Mother Nature created it at the beginning of time and you can follow a beautiful path that will lead you to the cave of Kakoperatos where the monks built a chapel. Going south of the Monastery instead near the chasm of Panaretos you can admire the chapel dedicated to Agios Yannis.

It was founded in 1756 by the monk Doretheus who, in search of a quiet place to calm his soul, isolate himself and stay closer to God, chose it for all its characteristics. Previously there was a small chapel dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi and Dorotheus after receiving permission from the Archbishop of Samos Monsignor Kallinos began with the construction of some cells to be used as homes and to attract other monks who arrived without any shadow of a doubt. After a few years they began with the renovation of the chapel which was completed in 1782 as can be seen from the inscription above the entrance.

With a typical Byzantine style and following the architecture of quadrilateral monasteries with two-story wings, the large church has a dome that rests on four pillars recovered from the ancient temple of Miletus in Turkey. Inside there are important frescoes quite well preserved including two parts one in the vestibule with Christ and the Virgin Mary, the other in the Holy Sanctuary. Refined ancient iconostases in carved wood, an extraordinary altarpiece with the Bible depicted, a suggestive silver icon of Zoodochos Pigi created in 1973 thanks to the donation of the inhabitants of the village of Mytilini in Lesbos, an episcopal throne carved in wood facing east and the pedestal with the icon dedicated to the Great Prayer, are some examples of the beauties to be appreciated in this Monastery.

Even the flooring in elegant marble tiles are a peculiarity of the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis and curiosity, its door is made up of small pieces of wood that represent the 365 days of the year.

The Monastery is celebrated on the first Friday after Easter where ancient and important rites are honored. In the last twenty years it has been converted from a male monastery to a convent for nuns and today it houses a confraternity of sisters who are mainly dedicated to hagiography.

In the past it was visited by King Paul of Greece and in 1935 by the Belgian King Leopold II together with his wife Maria Eirettis.

Curiosity: Zoodochos Pigis literally Source of Life refers to the sacred fountain of Jerusalem where the Virgin Mary by making the water flow along her clothes that collected in a basin below, being consecrated had the power to heal the sick who bathed in the source.

How to get to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigis

Taking the village of Kamara as a reference point, follow the road that goes towards the mountain through a wonderful forest of maritime pines and views of the bays of Myrtia, Lakkos and Megali Lakkos until you reach the parking lot of the Monastery. Obviously you need to have your own vehicle.

Here is another idea as an alternative to the sea that will introduce you to this beautiful part of Samos.