Holy Monastery of the Saints Apostoloi (Holy Apostles): A Pilgrim's Guide

Dearest pilgrim, receive a most blessed and cordial welcome! I am deeply honored to guide you to the revered sanctuary of the Holy Monastery of the Saints Apostoloi (Holy Apostles). Since there are many monasteries dedicated to the Holy Apostles, we will focus on the well-known and spiritually rich Holy Monastery of the Twelve Apostles in Perachora, near Loutraki, Corinthia. Nestled in a landscape overlooking the Corinthian Gulf, this monastery provides a profound connection to the original core of the Church—the disciples chosen by Christ Himself. A visit here is a chance to contemplate the universal mission of the Church and seek the intercession of the twelve great founders of the faith.

Essential Information for Pilgrims

Your respectful conduct and adherence to the monastic traditions are the spiritual offerings you bring to this sacred place.

Opening Hours & Quiet Hours

The Holy Monastery of the Saints Apostoloi is an active community, typically functioning as a women's monastery. Pilgrims are generally welcome to visit:

• Daily, usually from the mid-morning (around 9:30 AM) until 1:00 PM, and often again in the late afternoon (around 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM). The essential quiet hour (Hesychia) is strictly observed in the early to mid-afternoon (often 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM). Please ensure that silence is maintained throughout the grounds, especially during these hours, respecting the nuns' schedule of prayer and rest.

Dress Code

A traditional and strict modest dress code is mandatory for all pilgrims, honoring the sanctity of the monastery.

• Shoulders, arms, and knees must be fully covered.

• For men: Long trousers and sleeved shirts are necessary.

• For women: Long skirts or dresses and tops with sleeves are required. Head covering with a scarf is customary and a sign of profound respect when entering the church. The nuns are very hospitable and often provide scarves or wraparound skirts at the entrance if needed.

Exact Location & How to Get There

The Holy Monastery of the Twelve Apostles is located near the village of Perachora, in the region of Corinthia, Peloponnese. It is situated on the road between the towns of Loutraki and Perachora. Access is relatively easy, making it a popular pilgrimage site for those visiting the Corinth canal area. The best way to reach it is by car from Loutraki, following the local signs clearly marked for the Moni Dodeka Apostolon (Monastery of the Twelve Apostles).

Parking Availability & Walking Distance

Free parking is usually provided in a designated area outside the monastery walls. The walking distance from the parking area to the main entrance and the Catholicon (main church) is very short and easily accessible.

Whether a Permit is Required

A special entry permit is not required for general visitation.

Patron Saint & Spiritual Story

The monastery is dedicated to the Synaxis of the Holy Twelve Apostles (Saints Peter, Paul, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Jude Thaddeus, and Simon the Zealot). The spiritual story here is the continuation of the Apostolic mission. The presence of the monastery in Corinthia connects directly to the missionary work of Saint Paul, who established a strong Christian community in ancient Corinth.

Founding Date & Historical Significance

The specific date of the foundation of this monastery is believed to be in the post-Byzantine or early Ottoman period, likely around the 16th or 17th century, though it stands on ground with deep Christian roots reaching back to the Apostolic age.

• The Name and Location: While the monastery is relatively newer than some ancient Greek sites, its dedication to the Apostles and its location near ancient Corinth emphasize its role in carrying the Apostolic faith forward in the region.

• Modern Revival: The monastery has been revived and now thrives as an active community of nuns, preserving the spiritual traditions in the modern era.

Important Icons, Relics or Miraculous Items

The Catholicon (main church) is generally adorned with beautiful modern frescoes and houses a revered icon of the Holy Twelve Apostles. The monastery may also possess fragments of Holy Relics of various Saints, kept in reliquaries for the veneration of the faithful.

Number of Monks/Nuns Currently Living There

The Holy Monastery of the Saints Apostoloi near Perachora is an active women's monastic community and is cared for by a dedicated number of nuns who maintain the full liturgical cycle and the complex.

Level of Hospitality & Whether Conversations are Allowed

The level of hospitality (Filoxenia) is offered with warmth and spiritual simplicity by the sisterhood. Quiet conversation is allowed when addressed to one of the nuns for a blessing, spiritual advice, or specific inquiries. Please remember that all conversations should be brief, respectful, and conducted in a hushed tone.

Guesthouse Availability & Reservation Needs

Guesthouse availability is typically very limited. Accommodation is usually reserved for pilgrims on a deep spiritual retreat or for the needs of the Metropolis. Pilgrims should plan to secure lodging in the nearby tourist town of Loutraki, which has ample accommodation options.

Participation in Liturgies or Services

Pilgrims are warmly welcomed to participate in the liturgical services, especially the Divine Liturgy held on Sundays and Feast Days. Attending the service offers a beautiful experience of Orthodox worship.

Days and Hours of Services

The schedule of Days and hours of services is posted locally. The Divine Liturgy is generally celebrated on Sunday mornings and on all major feast days.

Entrance Fee or Recommended Donation

There is no mandatory entrance fee to enter the monastery. A voluntary recommended donation is customary and deeply appreciated, supporting the sisterhood and the preservation of the holy site.

Photography Rules

Photography is strictly forbidden inside the main church (Catholicon) and inside the private monastic buildings and cells. Respectful exterior photos of the courtyards and the surrounding scenery are generally permitted.

Monastery Shop & Products

The monastery usually maintains a small shop where pilgrims can purchase simple, traditional monastic products such as small icons of the Holy Apostles, incense, candles, and perhaps handicrafts made by the nuns.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit

Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour for a complete, reverent visit. This provides time to venerate the icons, light a candle, and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the grounds.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, Viewpoints or Landmarks

• Loutraki: The nearby coastal town is famous for its thermal springs and casino.

• Heraion of Perachora: The important archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Hera Akraia is a short drive away, offering a view of ancient Greek worship.

• Lake Vouliagmeni: A beautiful lagoon nearby offers a striking contrast to the spiritual seclusion of the monastery.

Behaviour Rules for Visitors

Pilgrims must strictly adhere to the dress code, maintain silence within the church, avoid loud conversation, silence all mobile phones, and respect the privacy and peaceful life of the sisterhood.

Feast Day and What Happens During the Celebration

The major Feast Day of the monastery is the Synaxis of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles, celebrated annually on June 30th (the day after the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul).

• Celebration: This is a day of profound significance. It is marked by a Great Vespers on the eve (June 29th) followed by a magnificent Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 30th. The celebration is characterized by an atmosphere of intense devotion and joy, drawing pilgrims to celebrate the foundation of the Church.

May the guidance of the Holy Apostles illuminate your path and strengthen your faith.