As every year, this year the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated at the homonymous monastery in Kantouni, Kalymnos, with the unique view of the endless blue sea.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the eve of the Exaltation, hundreds of faithful ascended the path on the slope of the Cross to attend the evening service.
Watch the video prepared by Mamas Charamandas
The evening service of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the homonymous monastery in Kantouni, Kalymnos
We also present photos from today’s evening service and the history of the Monastery as described in detail and vividly by the educator, head of the Maritime Museum and collaborator of kalymnos-news.gr Giannis Heilas
At the Cross, in Kantouni, Text: Giannis Heilas
The ascent to the Cross of Kantouni. The faithful, on the day of its Grace, “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross,” ascend the rugged path to light the candle of faith and hope, and to pray for the salvation of their souls, each carrying their own “Cross” up their personal “Golgotha.”
The monastery was built between 1890 and 1906 by Irini Kassara-Zervou, daughter of Ioannis Kassaras, a community leader. She was an aunt (sister of the father of the late teacher Giannis G. Kassaras). After a vision she had and at the urging of the Virgin Mary, she ascended to the rugged slope above the beach of Kantouni, in an area called “Klima” Panormos, where she found the image of the Cross in a hollow in the cave there. The devout Christian, with the support of her husband Georgios Zervos, dedicated her life to building a monastic fortress. The cave became a place of worship. Outside and alongside, courtyards, cells, and annexes were built. In the lower area of the monastery, a space was fenced, earth was dug, transported, and trees were planted. The wild landscape was tamed, becoming a real paradise where the founders lived happily until their death. There, in the “sacrifice” area, they requested to be buried. Since 1960, the “monk of the Cross” Savvas Lappas has continued their work with the same zeal. The monastery of the Cross became a place of worship for Kalymnians, especially for the “Frontists.” High on Kantouni, the Honorable Cross dominates, spreading its grace, calling the faithful to “take up their own Cross” and.. to follow the path of redemption!
The interior of the cave where the monastery of the Cross was built – “sheltered”.
The entrance to the holy step is discerned, surrounded by a contemplative functional space, decorated with special worship decorations. In the left space, with the ascent to the cave, a small chapel was built, dedicated to Saint Irini. Next to the steps of the sanctuary are located the sacred remains of the founders Irini I. Kassara-Zervou, her husband Georgios Zervos, as well as the “Elder of the Cross” Savvas Lappas, who became a monk by the name of Saint Savvas “the ascetic in Kalymnos”. All three bore their “Cross,” ascended the rugged slope of Kantouni, and were deemed worthy of “Resurrection.” Their work is virtuous, to the glory of the Lord. May their memory be eternal!