Agios Riginos Monastery
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AGIOS RIGINOS MONASTERY
SKOPELOS MONASTERIES
Agios Riginos church Monastery of Agios Riginos in Skopelos island Greece Agios Riginos Saint Riginos, revered as the patron saint of Skopelos Island, resided during the 4th century AD. Hailing from a Greek background, he was educated with the support of his parents, following the customs of his era.
Agios Riginos (Saint Riginos) is the patron saint of Skopelos Island. The locals built the monastery of Agios Riginos exactly in the position of the saint’s grave. It is a beautiful monastery that was originally built in 1728. The people of Skopelos rebuilt the church in 1960. The celebration of the patron saint of Skopelos brings visitors from all the surrounding islands as well as from the mainland of Greece. It is a huge celebration that takes place on the 24th and 25th of February with great deeds of worship and a grand procession of the saint’s relic through the streets of Skopelos.
LIFE OF AGIOS RIGINOS SAINT RIGINOS
Agios Riginos was born in Livadia, Greece during the 4th century A.D. His uncle dispatched him to the island of Skopelos to fortify his strong faith in God and the inhabitants who resided in exile there. Agios Riginos strongly opposed all sects that were against the Orthodox belief. He bravely stated his thoughts in public without hesitation and fear. Agios Riginos was prosecuted during the reign of the emperor of Constantinople, Julius Paravatis (361-363 A.D).
The governor of Greece went to Skopelos island and immediately ordered the saint to renounce his religion. Agios Riginos stood strong by his beliefs and did not obey. Therefore, on the 25th of February 362 A.D., the saint was shown to the island’s stadium. There the governor’s people tortured him and finally decapitated him. That night the Christians of the island buried him in the forest on the hill where his grave remains until today.
VISITING MONASTERY OF AGIOS RIGINOS IN SKOPELOS
The person in charge of Agios Riginos Monastery is Mrs. Eleni Trachana, her contact numbers are +30 6980929334 and +30 24240 22395.
The monastery remains open for visitors every morning from 09:00 to 13:00 and every evening from 17:00 – 20:00.
Directions: Driving on the main road to leave Skopelos Town you will see a gas station. 500 meters after that, take a sharp uphill right turn. Another 500 meters and you reach the church.
