Welcome to the Holy Monastery of Agia Marina, Maritsas, Rhodes: A Pilgrim's Guide

Dearest pilgrim, receive a most blessed and cordial welcome! I am delighted to be your guide to the sacred haven of the Holy Monastery of Agia Marina (Saint Marina), located near the village of Maritsas on the magnificent island of Rhodes. This island, known for its deep history, also holds within its interior this tranquil convent dedicated to the Great Martyr, which offers pilgrims a genuine taste of Orthodox spirituality amidst a peaceful, forested landscape. May your visit to this sanctuary bring you the courageous grace of the Saint.

Essential Information for Your Holy Visit

A pilgrimage to this working convent requires a commitment to respect its spiritual rules and the peaceful life of the nuns.

Opening Hours & Quiet Hours: The monastery maintains a rhythm balancing its spiritual duties with welcoming the faithful. While specific hours can vary seasonally and based on the liturgical needs of the small sisterhood, the convent is typically open to pilgrims daily, generally from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the morning. It will then observe a strict quiet hour (Hesychia) during the afternoon, usually closing its gates from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the nuns' rest and private prayer rule. It may reopen for a brief period in the late afternoon. Always plan to visit in the morning hours to ensure access.

Dress Code and Behaviour: A traditional and strict modest dress code is mandatory for all pilgrims. Shoulders and knees must be fully covered.

• For women: Long skirts or dresses and tops with sleeves are required. While not always mandatory, carrying a head scarf is highly recommended out of respect. Trousers are often discouraged.

• For men: Long trousers and sleeved shirts are necessary. Your behaviour must be quiet, reflective, and subdued. Refrain from loud talking, silence all mobile phones, and move with a sense of piety, respecting the profound quiet of the place.

Permits and Fees: A special entry permit is not required for general visitation. There is no mandatory entrance fee, as the spiritual blessing is offered freely. A voluntary recommended donation, however, is customary and greatly appreciated to support the sisterhood in maintaining the buildings and their ministry.

Photography Rules: Due to the sanctity of the monastic life, photography is strictly forbidden inside the main church (Catholicon) and inside the private monastic buildings and cells. You may respectfully take exterior photos of the courtyards and the surrounding nature. Never photograph the nuns or other pilgrims without explicit permission.

Location, Access, and Parking

The monastery is situated in the green interior of Rhodes, providing a beautiful, quiet setting away from the busy coastline.

Exact Location and How to Get There: The Holy Monastery of Agia Marina is located near the village of Maritsas, in the central interior of the island of Rhodes, in the Dodecanese. The monastery is typically reached by rental car or taxi from Rhodes Town or the airport. The journey takes you through scenic, forested roads. Follow the signs towards Maritsas and then look for the specific road signs pointing toward the monastery.

Parking and Walking: Ample parking availability is usually provided outside the main entrance gate. The walking distance from the parking area to the main entrance is short and easily managed.

Spiritual Heart and History

Patron Saint and Spiritual Story: The monastery is dedicated to the Great Martyr Agia Marina of Antioch (Saint Marina), who lived in the 3rd century AD. Her spiritual story is one of astonishing courage and unyielding faith. Having been converted to Christianity, she endured brutal torture for refusing to renounce Christ before ultimately being beheaded. She is revered as the patroness of those suffering from skin diseases and for easing the pains of childbirth. Her unwavering stand against persecution is the spiritual cornerstone of the monastery.

Founding Date and Historical Significance: While many historical records of smaller island monasteries are sparse, the Holy Monastery of Agia Marina near Maritsas is part of Rhodes' rich Byzantine tradition. Though the current structure may be modern, the foundation likely dates back to the Byzantine or post-Byzantine era, a period when monasteries were vital centers for maintaining Orthodoxy under foreign occupation. Its ongoing presence signifies the unbroken chain of faith on the island. The monastery’s specific historical significance lies in its role as a spiritual refuge for the local community in the interior of Rhodes.

Important Icons, Relics, or Miraculous Items: The central spiritual treasure is the Icon of the Great Martyr Agia Marina. While the convent may hold fragments of her Holy Relics or those of other saints, the primary focus is the reverence and prayer offered to the Saint's icon for courage and healing.

Monastic Life and Hospitality

Current Number of Nuns: This is an active women's convent. The community is typically a small sisterhood dedicated to the ascetic life of prayer, work, and hospitality.

Level of Hospitality and Conversation: Hospitality (Filoxenia) is offered with warmth and discretion, following the traditional monastic practice. Conversations are allowed when you address the Abbess or a designated sister for brief, respectful inquiries, a blessing, or spiritual counsel. Do not interrupt the nuns in their duties or engage in extensive personal conversations, respecting their vow of silence and prayer.

Guesthouse Availability and Reservation Needs: Guesthouse availability for foreign pilgrims is generally very limited. Any accommodation offered is for profound spiritual reasons and requires mandatory reservations made well in advance by contacting the convent directly.

Participation in Liturgies or Services: Pilgrims are welcome to attend the daily services. The main services, including the Orthros (Matins) and Divine Liturgy, are celebrated in the morning. The schedule of Days and hours of services is posted locally; check these times upon arrival.

Shop, Duration, and Surroundings

Monastery Shop and Products: The monastery usually maintains a small shop or a small display. Here, you can find simple, traditional monastic products such as small icons of Agia Marina, incense, prayer ropes, and perhaps simple handicrafts or local honey.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit: Allow approximately one hour for a complete, reverent visit. This provides time to venerate the sacred icon, spend a few moments in quiet prayer, and reflect in the peaceful courtyard.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, and Landmarks: The monastery's location in the interior provides a chance to explore the natural beauty of Rhodes.

• Maritsas Village: Offers traditional Greek village life.

• The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A famous natural attraction is not far from the area, providing a beautiful nearby landmark.

• Hiking Paths: The surrounding forested areas offer peaceful paths for walking and contemplation.

Feast Day and Celebration

The major Feast Day of the monastery is the commemoration of the Great Martyr Agia Marina, celebrated annually on July 17th.

What happens during the celebration: This is a major spiritual event for the local community and pilgrims. On the evening of July 16th, a magnificent Great Vigil is celebrated, followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the morning of July 17th. The services are celebratory, and the veneration of the Saint's icon is central. The feast is typically accompanied by a local celebration (panegyri), bringing together the villagers and faithful to honor the Saint who showed such great spiritual courage. Expect an atmosphere of profound devotion and communal joy.

May the courageous grace of Agia Marina be with you on your pilgrimage.