The Beginning of the Greek Revolution in the Monastery of Agia Lavra (The Holy Lavra).

Painting by Theodoros Vryzakis

According to the legend of the Holy Lavra, the Greek Revolution began on March 25, 1821. The monastery was the place where the ritual religious proclamation of the Revolution took place, when the Metropolitan of Old Patras Germanos blessed the gathered revolutionaries, raised the banner of the revolution in the monastery of Agia Lavra in Kalavrita where the revolution began.

SKU: 056 Category: Greek War of Independance

Description

Description

The legend of the proclamation of the Revolution in Agia Lavra holds an important place in Greek public history while is the subject of ideological controversy.

According to tradition, the monastery was founded in 961 AD and was originally located about 300 m. higher, at the site of Paleomonastiro.

It was set on fire by the Turks in 1585 and reopened in 1600, while in 1689 it was moved to its current location by the abbot Eugene. It contributed significantly to the revolution of 1821, offering money and food. In 1826 it was set on fire by Ibrahim, but the monks had managed to abandon it, saving many of its precious relics.