Saint Rafael Monastery is dedicated to three saints - Saint Rafael, Saint Nikolaos, and Saint Eirene - and situated at Karyes near Termi, in the eastern part of the island. These saints are miracle workers and attract visitors not only from Lesvos, but from all over the Greece.
In front of the monastery proper, there is large buildings to accomodate the visitors for free.
It is said that Saint Rafael, Saint Nikolaos, and Saint Eirene (Irini) martyred at the hands of Turks in 1463. Since then, their names were completely forgotten, but, in 1959, when their bones were discovered at this site, the saints started to appear to the faithful and revealed their identities and their martyrdom.
According to the revelation, saint Rafail was born in Ithaki island, saint Nikolaos is from Thessaloniki and saint Eirene is from a local village and was only 12 year-old at the time of martyrdom.
Their icons were produced according to the 'witnesses''s testimonies and the reproductions are sold at the monastery (the one in the photo cost €6 in 2009, but there were also cheaper ones and more expensive ones).
Many faithfuls collect holy water and holy oil at the monastery. If you do the same, buy plastic containers from shops outside; the price goes as coming closer to the gate. The holy water and oil are distributed in underground.
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