The
Monastery dates back to the 13th century when, according to tradition, Franciscus
of Assisi organized a Monastery dedicated to the Holy Virgin, belonging to the
Latin Diocese of Cephalonia. During the Middle Ages the Orthodox belief was introduced
to the Monastery leading to a combined Orthodox and roman-catholic monastic life
which was not always peaceful. The Orthodox monks succeeded in dominating the
Monastery with a brotherhood that provided the Cephalonian Church with distinguished
clergy. The name "Sissia" probably derives from the word Assisi. The
titular icon named "Virgin of Sision" is dated to the 15th century.
The superb portable icons on the iconstasis (templon) of the Sission Monastery,
work of the cretan-septinsular artist and priest Stefanos Tzankarolas (17th century),
are kept in the Museum of Saint Andrew Monastery. Among them, most significantly
positioned is that of the Holy Virgin and Child surrounded by miniatures illustrating
the 24 verses of the Akathistos Hymn.
The
Monastery celebrates on: Saturday of the Akathistos Hymn, Saturday of Samaritida
(the litany procession of the icon's return from the Church of Evagelistria at
Kastro, where it is taken on Saint Thomas Sunday). A plentiful meal is prepared
for the faithful by the brotherhood in honour of the Holy Virgin following the
divine service).
Saint Chrysostomos 13/11 and 27/1.
Saint
Nicodemos Agioritis (of the Athos) 1/7.
Quite often vigils full of
devout concentration take place.
The
Monastery dates back to the 13th century when, according to tradition, Franciscus
of Assisi organized a Monastery dedicated to the Holy Virgin, belonging to the
Latin Diocese of Cephalonia. During the Middle Ages the Orthodox belief was introduced
to the Monastery leading to a combined Orthodox and roman-catholic monastic life
which was not always peaceful. The Orthodox monks succeeded in dominating the
Monastery with a brotherhood that provided the Cephalonian Church with distinguished
clergy. The name "Sissia" probably derives from the word Assisi. The
titular icon named "Virgin of Sision" is dated to the 15th century.
The superb portable icons on the iconstasis (templon) of the Sission Monastery,
work of the cretan-septinsular artist and priest Stefanos Tzankarolas (17th century),
are kept in the Museum of Saint Andrew Monastery. Among them, most significantly
positioned is that of the Holy Virgin and Child surrounded by miniatures illustrating
the 24 verses of the Akathistos Hymn.
The
Monastery celebrates on: Saturday of the Akathistos Hymn, Saturday of Samaritida
(the litany procession of the icon's return from the Church of Evagelistria at
Kastro, where it is taken on Saint Thomas Sunday). A plentiful meal is prepared
for the faithful by the brotherhood in honour of the Holy Virgin following the
divine service).
