Celebration of the Patron Saint of the Holy Metropolis of Trikki & Stagios St. Vissarion
Address
Pyli 420 32
GPS
39.471262599552, 21.595155505492
On September 15, the town of Pyli honors its patron and local saint, Saint Vissarion, who was born in Pyli and is regarded as the protector of the wider region.
Located 5 km from Pyli, the Monastery of Saint Vissarion stands in a lush natural landscape overlooking the plain of Trikala. Also known as the Monastery of the Saviour of Megales Pyles, it is historically linked to the 13th-century Byzantine Porta Panagia Monastery. The current monastery was built in 1535 by Saint Vissarion, then Metropolitan of Larissa, and is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Its name derives from the nearby village of Dousiko, now called Agios Vissarion.
The old footpath that Saint Vissarion used to walk to the monastery is still preserved and used today by the locals. Every year on the Saturday of the Saints Theodore (after Clean Monday), villagers follow the path on foot to bring the Saint’s sacred skull (Kara) to the village, where it remains for five days and is welcomed into people’s homes. This tradition dates back to around 1900, when the village was afflicted by a plague and sought the Saint’s intercession for deliverance.
In its prime, the monastery was among the largest in Thessaly, with tradition saying it housed 365 cells, symbolizing the days of the year. During World War II, it served as a base for the Greek Resistance and was bombed by German forces in 1943. Today, it functions as a male monastery and is not open to women. It houses a rich library and rare relics, including the Saint’s skull, vestments, will, and staff.
In the village, visitors can find the Saint’s tomb in the cemetery church and, across from it, the house where he lived. About 6 km from the monastery lies the Lake of Saint Vissarion, a site of exceptional natural beauty.
Festivities begin on September 14 (Feast of the Holy Cross) with Vespers at the Monastery, and culminate on September 15 with the Divine Liturgy. Pilgrims from Pyli and beyond gather for this important celebration. In the afternoon of the 15th, the monks transfer the Saint’s skull to Pyli, accompanied by clergy and faithful in a solemn procession to the Church of Saint Vissarion, where Vespers are held.
Saint Vissarion is also honored during this two-day period in the town of Kalampaka, with parallel religious celebrations.
