Taxiarchis Monastery in Lesvos

Taxiarchis Monastery is located in Mantamados, 36 km from Mytilene. Taxiarchis (Archangel Michael) is the protector of the island. The figure of Archangel Michael is depicted in a relief image in a unique way, since according to tradition it was created by blood and clay of monks. In the 10th to 11th centuries Saracen pirates raided the monastery and killed the monks. Monk Gabriel escaped. The pirates followed him, but then a great soldier appeared in front of him. The Saracens frightened left everything behind and fled. The monk, apparently overwhelmed, wanted to thank his savior. He took the blood of the monks and along with clay he began to make the image he saw.

Taxiarchis Monastery celebrates two weeks after Easter. Here reaches a great number of believers to worship.