Megali Panagia Cell of Koutloumousiou Monastery

History and present days

In 972 A.D., during the time of Saint Athanasius of Athos, the first Typikon of the cell was composed by Euthymius Studitis. It was written on goat skin and ratified by Emperor John I Tzimiskes.  It was signed by 58 representatives, 10 presbyters and 8 abbots, including the founder of the Gomatos monastery, Eustratios.

Scattered facts about the cell have come down to us from different sources:

1. The cell of Gomatos and other cells abandoned by the Hagarians were under the administration of Protos.
2. The first reconstruction of the cell took place in 1165.
3. In 1350, during the rule of Antonios I, the cell was granted to the monastery of Alipius by a special act.
4. The second reconstruction of the cell was carried out in 1901 by the elder Chrysogonus of Kephallenia.

Hermitage Guide

At present, the cell is in a dilapidated state. A new building of about 230 square meters has been renovated to accommodate a monastic brotherhood consisting of three fathers. The following items are preserved here:

• Two ancient frescoes preserved from the old Church of Our Lady and dating back to 1452;
• The miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Evergetida";
• The relics of Saint Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus, the patron saint of cancer patients, people suffering from the effects of witchcraft, farmers, and winemakers.

Currently, the new brotherhood is trying to restore the holy cell of Megali Panagia so that divine services and liturgies can be held here once again with the grace of the Mother of God.