The pilgrimages of the Holy Monastery are located in 5 Holy Churches dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior, Saint Spyridon, Saint Polycarp, Saint Theologos, and Panagia Nafpaktiotissa. A copy of the holy icon of Panagia Nafpaktiotissa is exhibited in the monastic brotherhood.

Today, the association “Brotherhood Panagia Nafpaktiotissa” is a revival of the historical association of the same name, a brotherhood of clergy and lay people from the 11th century AD. The brotherhood was active in the region of Thebes, with the icon of “Our Lady the Theotokos of Nafpaktos” as its center of honor and pilgrimage, which was kept in the monastery of the Nafpaktissas.

A copy of the association’s charter is presented on a two-leaf luxurious parchment written in the Greek language. Today, it is kept in the museum of the palace chapel (Capella Palatina) in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, while a copy has been granted to the Brotherhood in a special event.

On the parchment, the icon of Panagia Nafpaktiotissa is painted at the top, as a frontispiece. The miniature of the Theotokos, who is depicted standing on a marble floor, wears a blue cloak and a purple chiton. The Panagia is in a posture of supplication.

Most likely, it ended up in Palermo due to the Norman invasion of the city of Thebes in 1147. According to the testimony of the charter, the brotherhood was founded in 1048 AD. The charter is signed by 19 clergy and 30 lay people, including women.

The purposes of the brotherhood are primarily spiritual. Every month, the Panagia was carried around to the homes of the members and honored with sacred rituals. Also, the brotherhood dedicated its prayers to the health of its members and their overall well-being here and beyond the grave.

A copy of the association’s charter is presented on a two-leaf luxurious parchment, written in the Greek language and is currently kept in the museum of the palace chapel (Capella Palatina), in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Local religious destinations

At a short distance from Nafpaktos, one can visit holy monasteries and ascetic hermitages. In the area, we find a plethora of churches and chapels with architectural, cultural, and historical interest, testifying to the rich religious heritage and tradition of the region. We list the most important ones, which we believe are worth visiting.