Submit a memorial note: Holy Monastery of Panagia Kassopitra in Kanoni

The Monastery of Panagia Kassopitra is one of the most beautiful monasteries, as well as the most significant Orthodox shrines of the Corfu Island. The monastery is approximately 500 years old, dating back to 1530 when the miraculous healing of the devout youth Stefanos occurred. This miracle has led to the construction of numerous churches not only on the island, but also in the neighboring Arta and even in Himara located in the region of Northern Epirus. However, the earliest historical references to the Monastery of Panagia Kassopitra date back to a later period, starting from 1706.

The greatest relics of the monastery are:

• The miraculous icon of the Mother of God Kassopitra, who restored sight to the blind Stefanos at the fervent request of his mother.
• The miraculous icon of Saint Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus.
• The right hand of Saint Parthenius of Lampsacus, through which he performed healings from cancer.

The patrons of the monastery and its surroundings in Kanoni are the Mother of God Kassopitra and Saint Parthenius. They intercede to the Lord for assistance to all those in need.

The main sacred relic of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God Kassopitra. It depicts Our Lady restoring sight to the pious youth Stefanos, who had lost his eyes as punishment for a theft he did not commit. His praying mother is depicted to the right of the Mother of God.

What do we pray the Mother of God "Kassopitra" for?

• Healing of eye diseases. This is undoubtedly associated with the miracle depicted.
• People also turn to the miraculous icon for healing from other bodily ailments.

The right hand of the Holy Martyr Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus, is a sacred relic with a remarkable history. The abbot of the monastery, Father Polycarp, tells the story as follows: Upon his arrival to Mount Athos, where he spent eight years as a novice under the guidance of the venerable Paisios of Mount Athos, he noticed an icon darkened by soot in the church. On looking closely, he saw that it depicted a saint with his right hand placed on a woman's chest. This was Saint Parthenius of Lampsacus. Father Polycarp was greatly surprised by this iconography and began to study the life of this saint. Saint Parthenius lived in the 3rd century in the city of Lampsacus and was renowned for his ability to heal cancer through the laying on of hands. Numerous miraculous healings became the reason for capturing this miracle, thus the origin of the icon. The very same right hand that Saint Parthenius used to touch and heal the sick is now kept in the Monastery of Our Lady Kassopitra to this day.

What do we pray Saint Parthenius for?

• Believers turn to Saint Parthenius for help in curing various diseases, especially cancer.
• Just as darkness flees before light, demons would disappear at the mere mention of the saint. Therefore, many pray to him for deliverance from demonic influences.
• During his lifetime, Saint Parthenius was a loving caretaker and guardian of his city. He compassionately healed all kinds of illnesses. Up to this day, believers seek his intercession for healing.