Holy Hesychasterion of the Ascension of the Lord, Skourta: A Quiet Ascent to God

Dearest pilgrim, receive a most blessed and peaceful welcome! I am truly honored to guide you to the secluded sanctuary of the Holy Hesychasterion of the Ascension of the Lord, located in the region of Boeotia, near the villages of Kleidi and Skourta. A Hesychasterion is, by its very nature, a quiet retreat, a place dedicated to hesychia—deep, inner stillness and ceaseless prayer. Dedicated to the Ascension of Christ, a pivotal moment of glory and triumph, this sanctuary offers a space for profound contemplation on Christ's ultimate victory and return to the Father.

Essential Information for Pilgrims

Your visit to this venerable, active Hesychasterion (which functions as a small, strictly disciplined monastery) requires profound reverence and deep respect for the intense prayer life of the resident sisterhood.

Opening Hours and Quiet Hours

The Holy Hesychasterion is an active nuns' convent and operates with strict visitation hours to maintain its spiritual discipline.

• Daily Visitation Hours: The times vary slightly by day, but generally allow for visitation during the morning and certain evenings:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

  • Tuesday, Thursday: Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

  • Friday: Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• Quiet Hour (Hesychia): A strict period of quiet hour and seclusion is maintained in the mid-afternoon, generally between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM (or 4:00 PM). It is crucial to respect this time and avoid approaching the grounds.

Dress Code

A traditional and strict modest dress code is mandatory for all pilgrims, honoring the sanctity of this quiet retreat. Shoulders, arms, and knees must be fully and modestly covered for all visitors. For gentlemen, this requires long trousers and sleeved shirts. For ladies, long skirts or dresses and sleeved tops are essential, and out of deep respect, women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf upon entering the Catholikon (main church).

Exact Location and How to Get There

The Holy Hesychasterion of the Ascension is located in the region of Boeotia, situated between the villages of Kleidi and Skourta.

• Driving Directions: If coming from Athens via the National Road, you will pass Oinofyta, reach the Oinoi Railway Station, pass over the railway crossing, and then drive up towards the villages of Agio Thomas and Kleidi. The Hesychasterion is located approximately midway between Kleidi and Skourta. It is most reliably accessed by private vehicle.

Parking Availability and Walking Distance

Parking availability is generally provided in a designated area outside the Hesychasterion walls. The sanctuary is situated close to the parking area, and the walking distance to the main entrance and the Catholikon is very short and easily accessible.

Whether a Permit is Required

A special entry permit is not required for general pilgrim visitation. However, because it is a Hesychasterion—a place of severe asceticism—pilgrims are expected to be especially mindful of the rules, and it is always a gesture of courtesy to call ahead if planning a long visit.

Patron Saint and Spiritual Story

The Hesychasterion is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. The spiritual story centers on the moment forty days after His Resurrection when Christ completed His earthly ministry and ascended bodily into heaven from the Mount of Olives. The dedication here inspires the faithful to look towards the heavenly realm, reminding them that Christ has prepared a place for us and intercedes for us before the Father.

Founding Date and Historical Significance

The Holy Hesychasterion of the Ascension is a relatively modern foundation.

• Founding Story: It was established by the Presidential Decree no. 48 in 1989. The foundation stone was laid by the then Metropolitan of Thebes and Livadeia (now His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens) on October 31, 1993. The main wing was completed in July 1998, at which point the sisterhood was installed. The Hesychasterion was founded by the late Bishop Polycarpos of Tanagra, who served as its spiritual father and ktitor (founder). This modern foundation is significant for reviving the ancient spiritual tradition of hesychasm in the region.

Important Icons, Relics or Miraculous Items

The most sacred treasure of the Hesychasterion is the revered Icon of the Ascension of the Lord, located in the Catholikon (main church). The complex also features a chapel, and, as a spiritual center, it holds fragments of Holy Relics of various saints for the veneration of the faithful.

Number of Monks/Nuns Currently Living There

The Holy Hesychasterion of the Ascension is a nuns' convent. The community is smaller than a large monastery, consisting of a dedicated sisterhood of six nuns who are overseen by the Abbess, Gerontissa Paraskevi.

Level of Hospitality and Whether Conversations are Allowed

The level of hospitality (Filoxenia) is offered with great spiritual warmth and quiet simplicity. Due to the emphasis on hesychia, conversation must be extremely brief, low-voiced, and reverent. Conversations should only be initiated with the Abbess or a designated nun for blessings or necessary inquiries.

Guesthouse Availability and Reservation Needs

Guesthouse availability is extremely limited, as the facilities are primarily dedicated to the prayer life of the sisterhood. Accommodation is simple and generally reserved for visiting clergy or Orthodox pilgrims on a serious spiritual mission. Pilgrims should secure lodging in the nearby towns of Thebes or Livadeia.

Participation in Liturgies or Services

Pilgrims are warmly welcomed to participate in the liturgical services. Services are held frequently, especially the Divine Liturgy.

Days and Hours of Services

The schedule of Days and hours of services is posted locally. The Divine Liturgy is always celebrated on Sunday mornings and on all major feast days. The community maintains a daily cycle of prayer, with services often starting very early in the morning.

Entrance Fee or Recommended Donation

There is no mandatory entrance fee to enter the Hesychasterion. A voluntary recommended donation is customary and deeply appreciated, supporting the sisterhood and the maintenance of this quiet place of prayer.

Photography Rules

Photography is strictly forbidden inside the main church (Catholikon) and inside the private monastic buildings and cells. This rule is strictly enforced to maintain reverence and protect the privacy and holy life of the sisters. Respectful exterior photos of the courtyards and the surrounding landscape are generally permitted.

Monastery Shop and Products

The Hesychasterion typically maintains a small display area or shop. Here, pilgrims can purchase simple, traditional monastic products such as small icons of the Ascension, incense, candles, and perhaps handicrafts or prayer ropes made by the nuns.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit

Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for a complete, reverent visit. The focus here is on quiet veneration rather than extensive touring.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, Viewpoints or Landmarks

• Monastery of Hosios Meletios: A major historic monastery nearby on Mount Kithairon.

• Thebes: The ancient city offers archaeological sites and amenities.

• Skourta and Kleidi: The nearby villages offer a connection to the local community.

Behaviour Rules for Visitors

Pilgrims must strictly adhere to the dress code; maintain absolute silence while on the grounds, speaking only when necessary and in a whisper; avoid loud conversation; silence all mobile phones; and respect the privacy and peaceful life of the sisterhood. This is paramount in a Hesychasterion.

Feast Day and What Happens During the Celebration

The major Feast Day of the Hesychasterion is the Ascension of the Lord (Analipsis tou Kyriou), which occurs 40 days after Orthodox Pascha (Easter), always falling on a Thursday.

• Celebration: The Feast Day is marked by a magnificent Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, often attended by the Metropolitan and many pilgrims. The movable nature of the feast means its date changes annually. The celebration draws numerous faithful who come to share in the joy of Christ's triumph and seek heavenly grace.

May the peace and grace of the Ascended Lord bless your spiritual journey and fill your heart with inner stillness.