The Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Souroti, Thessaloniki

The Gate to the Monastery of Souroti. Beautiful mosaic with Christ, and St. John the Theologian and St. Arsenios of Cappadocia praying to Him (source)

   
The Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Souroti, Thessaloniki
Souroti is found around 28 kilometers from Thessaloniki, not far from the central road which links the city with the capital of Chalkidiki, Polygyros.

The Holy Monastery is dedicated to St. John the Theologian and to St. Arsenios of Cappadocia. In the Monastery are the Relics of St. Arsenios of Cappadocia, which are found in the Katholikon, along with the grave of St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain, who reposed on July 12th 1994, and was buried next to the church of St. Arsenios.

The beautiful church of St. Arsenios of Cappadocia, in Souroti Monastery (source)

  
Every year, from July 11th-12th, the anniversary of the repose of the Saint, the Holy Hesychasterion serves a vigil service, with thousands of the faithful taking part. For example, on the anniversary of St. Paisios' repose in 2014 (and before he was canonized a Saint), an estimated 120,000 people came to venerate his grave. Many miracles occur through the Saint's intercessions and through the soil from his grave, which pilgrims often take as a blessing.
  

The humble yet wonderworking grave of St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain, behind the church of St. Arsenios, Souroti Monastery (Source)

  
St. Paisios' acquaintance with the Monastery
Once, the Elder sick and was in great need of blood for his surgery. He had no relatives by his side (as he himself wished) and a group of novice nuns donated as much blood as he needed. He was very grateful for their support. Wishing to express his deep gratitude, he used to say that their kind support resembled a woolen sweater embracing his bare flesh; he wished to take it off and offer it to them in return, as an expression of his heartfelt gratitude.
  

The grave stone of St. Paisios, engraved with beautiful and humble poem written by him. In English, it reads:

"Here life has ended,

Here and my breath (has ended),

Here the body will be buried,

And my soul will be happy.

My Saint lives, that is my honour.

I believe that he will pity my miserable soul.

He will pray to the Saviour

To have the Virgin Mary with me." (sources 1 and 2)
  

The Great Deisis: Christ, entreated by the Theotokos, St. John the Theologian, St. John the Russian and St. Paisios the Athonite (source)
 

He sympathized with the nuns who were facing insuperable problems in their effort to build their convent. So, he personally took the initiative to find a suitable area for its construction. He offered his assistance in every way he could; along with the building’s foundations, he also laid its spiritual foundations by giving instructions for the proper functioning of the convent. Thus, the Elder established a strong relationship with the Convent of St. John the Theologian and remained by its side until his death.
 

St. John the Theologian (source)

   

For more on St. Paisios' role in the founding of the Monastery, and on his relationship with Fr. Polycarp, see here.

  

Hours of Visitation at the Monastery (source)

Please note that the Monastery is closed to pilgrims Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while the schedule for the rest of the days is according to the following hours:

Winter hours:

Daily 10 am-1 pm and 3 pm-6 pm

Summer hours:

Daily 10 am – 1 pm και 5 pm – 7 pm 

Tel: (+30)2396041320 and (+30)2396041315

Please contact the Monastery with additional questions or for the most up-to-date info.

(sources 1, 2, 3)

  

Beautiful gardens, planted with prayer, at Souroti Monastery (source)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!