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| Chris the Pantocreator on the ceiling of the Monastery's church |
Sunday, July 10 - Trip Day 11
The Monastery of Kathara, or Panagia Kathariotis, sits atop Mt. Niritos, the highest point on the island. It is said the Monastery is the spiritual center of Ithaca and is mentally visible to all Ithacans from all the corners of the world. Dating from before the 1500's, this structure was reconstructed in 1696.
The Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the icon painting of the Virgin Mary in the church is traditionally said to have been painted by St. Luke.
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| Bell tower and lighted cross at the top of Mount Niritos |
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| Entrance to the Monastery |
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| Monastery grounds are green and manicured |
The interior of the church is beautifully decorated and colorful, as is typical of Greek Orthodox traditions. At the front is a gilded iconostasis, separating the worshipers from the holy altar. The ceiling is painted a deep turquoise blue, with a large painting of Christ, the Pantocreator, in the center.
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| The iconostasis at the front of the church |
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| Beautiful ceiling and side decorations |
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