Welcome to the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios, Kos: A Pilgrim's Guide

Dearest pilgrim, receive a most blessed and friendly welcome! I am delighted to guide you to the revered sanctuary of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios on the beautiful Dodecanese island of Kos. Dedicated to one of the most beloved and recently canonized Saints of the Orthodox Church, Saint Nektarios, this monastery is a relatively new but spiritually vibrant beacon of faith, reflecting the Saint's message of humility and healing. May your pilgrimage here be one of profound grace and comfort.

Essential Information for Your Holy Visit

A visit to this sacred place is an act of deep reverence, honoring the life of the wonderworking Saint.

Opening Hours & Quiet Hours: The monastery maintains a clear schedule to balance its life of prayer with the welcome offered to pilgrims. The monastery is typically open to visitors daily from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM. All visitors are kindly asked to make their first stop at the bookstore upon arrival. While this convent does not enforce a strict afternoon closure, it is a place of deep quietude and solitude. Visitors must respect this by ensuring their presence is reverent and subdued throughout the day.

Dress Code and Behaviour: A traditional and very strict modest dress code is required. The monastery is a place of sanctity, and visitors are asked to present themselves respectfully. Shoulders, arms (long-sleeved blouses), and knees (long skirts) must be fully covered.

• For women: Long skirts, long-sleeved blouses, and a head covering (scarf) are mandatory. Pants, mini-skirts, skin-tight clothing, short sleeves, and low-cut blouses are unacceptable.

• For men: Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required.

• For all: Shoes or sandals must be worn with socks at all times—no bare feet are permitted. Your behaviour must be quiet, reflective, and subdued. Smoking is strictly forbidden anywhere on the grounds, and mobile phones should be silenced.

Permits and Fees: A special entry permit is not required for general visitation. There is no entrance fee, as the spiritual blessing is freely offered to all. However, a voluntary recommended donation is a customary and appreciated gesture to support the sisterhood in their extensive spiritual and charitable works.

Photography Rules: To preserve the sanctity and the privacy of the sisterhood, photography is strictly forbidden inside the main church and the cells. You may respectfully take exterior photos of the grounds and the architecture. Never photograph the nuns or other pilgrims without express permission.

Location, Access, and Parking

The monastery is situated in the peaceful countryside of Kos, offering a tranquil setting away from the main tourist hubs.

Exact Location and How to Get There: The Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios is located in the inland area of the island of Kos in the Dodecanese. It is generally situated in the direction of the village of Kefalos, away from Kos Town. The most convenient way to reach the monastery is by rental car, scooter, or taxi from Kos Town or your accommodation. Follow the main road toward Kefalos and watch for local signage indicating the turn-off for the monastery.

Parking and Walking: Ample parking availability is usually provided outside the main gate or in the vicinity. The walking distance from the parking area to the church is minimal and easily managed.

Spiritual Heart and History

Patron Saint and Spiritual Story: The monastery is dedicated to Saint Nektarios of Aegina (1846–1920), Metropolitan of Pentapolis and Wonderworker. His spiritual story is one of unwavering humility, profound piety, and endurance against slander and injustice. Despite being unjustly expelled from the Patriarchate of Alexandria, he spent his later years founding the Holy Trinity Convent on the island of Aegina, where he lived a life of extraordinary simplicity, teaching, and performing numerous miracles, particularly those of healing. He is known as the "Saint of our Century" and a great wonderworker.

Founding Date and Historical Significance: The Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios on Kos is a modern foundation, established as an active women's convent within the Holy Metropolis of Kos and Nisyros. Its significance is rooted in the spiritual legacy of its patron saint, offering a center of healing prayer and ascetic life to the faithful of the Dodecanese. While the exact date of its founding is recent, its spiritual history is linked directly to the life and miracles of Saint Nektarios, making it a sacred destination for those seeking the Saint's intercession.

Important Icons, Relics, or Miraculous Items: The central spiritual treasure is the Icon of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker. The monastery will also house a fragment of his Holy Relics (often small pieces distributed from his tomb on Aegina), which are greatly revered by pilgrims, particularly those seeking healing from ailments like cancer.

Monastic Life and Hospitality

Current Number of Nuns: This is an active women's monastery or convent. While the specific number of nuns is generally kept private, the community is dedicated to maintaining the full monastic services and rule of prayer.

Level of Hospitality and Conversation: Hospitality (Filoxenia) is offered with warmth and discretion, following the traditional monastic practice. Conversations are allowed when addressed to a nun (often the Abbess or a designated sister) for brief, respectful inquiries, a blessing, or spiritual counsel. Do not engage the nuns in lengthy discussions, as their time is dedicated primarily to prayer and duty.

Guesthouse Availability and Reservation Needs: Guesthouse availability for foreign pilgrims is often very limited or prioritized for spiritual retreats. Any request for an overnight stay 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 most accessible time for public worship is on Sunday mornings. Check the posted schedule for specific days and hours of services.

Shop, Duration, and Surroundings

Monastery Shop and Products: The monastery maintains a bookstore/shop near the entrance, where you are asked to stop first. Here, you can find products such as icons of Saint Nektarios, prayer ropes, incense, spiritual books (perhaps including those written by the Saint), and other religious items.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit: For a complete, reverent visit, allow approximately one to one and a half hours. This provides ample time to venerate the sacred icon and relic, spend time in quiet prayer, and visit the shop. If attending a full service, budget additional time accordingly.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, and Landmarks: The location in the countryside is ideal for quiet reflection. The road near the monastery may lead to small paths through the island's landscape. The main tourist attractions of Kos, such as the Ancient Agora and the Asklepieion, are a short drive away.

Feast Day and Celebration

The major Feast Day of the monastery is the commemoration of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker, which is celebrated annually on November 9th (the day after his repose).

What happens during the celebration: This is the most significant spiritual event of the year for the community. On the evening of November 8th, a magnificent Great Vigil is celebrated, followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the morning of November 9th. The services are celebratory, and the veneration of the Saint's icon and relics is central. Expect large crowds of local faithful and pilgrims who come to honor the Saint and receive his blessing.

May the protection and healing grace of Saint Nektarios be your portion on this holy island.