Saturday, June 21, 2014

A Peaceful Place Above the Sea


On Father's Day, we visited the 
Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, 


meaning, (Most Holy Queen of All), 
near the village of Rogdia.


 It is a short, scenic drive from home, 
along Crete's beautiful northern coast.


 The monastery was founded in 1963 by Bishop
 Nikolaos Xenos, in dedication to the Birth of the Virgin.

 

It was designed to operate as a charitable foundation,
 with aspirations for an orphanage, a nursing home,
 a kindergarten, and a nursery, all on site.


Only the orphanage was realized, including
 workshops and educational facilities.


Nowadays, it is inhabited exclusively by nuns, who work 
hard to keep the grounds looking beautiful all year round.
 

The nunnery celebrates its 
name day on September 8th.


People come from all over, to take part
in the day's special ceremonies.


 
Today, Panagia Pantanassa is a holy retreat; 
a place where one can appreciate



the peace and tranquility of its surroundings, 
nestled between tall, protective pines,

 

and nourished by invigorating views of the sea. 


 
Thanks for visiting!
Welcome new followers,
and happy weekend to all! 

55 comments:

  1. Hi Poppy - You absolutely live in one of the most beautiful places in the world!! Could I come for a visit? Your photos are just breathtaking. All so pretty.

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovely monastery!!!!!!!!!!! The garden is so beautiful and the view fantastic!!!!!!!!!
    I was told Rogdia is a beautiful place, my cousin used to live there for a couple of years, but I did not have the chance to visit her before she left.
    I wish you a very nice week-end, dear Poppy!!
    Filakia!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It looks like a fabulous place indeed!!!
    xo Kris

    ReplyDelete
  4. It does give you a sense of peace and serenity just to see the photos. I imagine it is a wonderful place to visit. Enjoy your weekend my friend. Hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous scenery. Very peaceful. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am always amazed when you post pictures of Crete. The scenery is breathtaking. Thanks for the tour!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree with Diane, you can sense its peaceful nature through the photos! I think that is both a credit to the lovely scenery and the lovely photographer! Happy weekend, Poppy! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my goodness, what gorgeous scenery! Your photos are fabulous! Have a wonderful weekend, Poppy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I feel peaceful and serene just looking at your photos. Those flower urns are gorgeous; oh how I would love to have a few of those! And the arbor is spectacular. Thank you for taking us with you on this excursion, Poppy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. To stand in those beautiful gardens and look out over the sea must be amazing and calming at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You live in a beautiful area, Poppy. The trees, flowers and the sea views are gorgeous.
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks!I enjoyed this so much!AriadnefromGreece!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a lovely place ...it's just gorgeous. Those nuns work hard indeed to maintain such beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a gorgeous place to visit and I love all the pots of geraniums.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello Poppy, how lovely it is that there are still such places left in this busy, overcrowded world that can simply nourish the soul and body by providing a beautifully calm environment. The monastery looks so attractive and is positioned so charmingly. What a fabulous place to visit and thank you for taking us along with you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, Poppy- I so enjoyed this tour! What a lovely place, oh and that ocean view! WOW!!

    Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Such beauty! The flowers, the views...it's a place I'd never want to leave!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a lovely and peaceful tour you provided us today. Those flowers and views are simply amazing and this definitely will be on the list of 'must visits' when we return to Crete! Have a lovely weekend~
    xx Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  19. What beautiful grounds! And a spectacular setting!! I can almost feel the salty ocean air. If I ever make it to Crete, this will be one of my first stops. Happy first day of summer :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your post makes me want to become a nun and tend the grounds at this beautiful place!

    ReplyDelete
  21. what a gorgeous place! The ocean views are spectacular. Poppy, you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Every time I visit, you show me your beautiful country and I fall more in love.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a beautiful outing! Thank you so much for sharing Poppy,

    ReplyDelete
  24. Stunning! Beauty that transcends my humble vocabulary! Thanks you for sharing your wonderful visit. Your photos are magnificent! Happy Summer!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear Poppy.

    Looks like you had such a wonderful day out - loved seeing the beautiful sea and the Monastery.
    The gardens are so pretty and must have been peaceful walking around here.
    Happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  26. i love this post because its a reminder of retreats ...a time to pause and reflect... it looks like a wonderful place... I wish I could be there too... but I am not and I do need a retreat and will take this post to do the same.. I shall stop and smell the flowers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What beautiful pictures :) What beautiful sight! I am sure you must have had a good time.
    Thank u for sharing all these awesome photographs!

    -Tanya
    http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a beautiful place! What gorgeous photos! I would love to visit there someday!

    Visiting from Inspire Me Monday :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh My Goodness Poppy, the magnificence of colours and textures of the flowers are so amazingly beautiful and along the sea wall, how sublime that would be. The nuns work so hard and they live such a beautiful life doing what is required to make sure this place of sanctify stays so very special a place. What a spiritual, meditative and calming experience it must be to explore the walk paths with the boundaries of this special place! Poppy, I am letting everyone know, as some have sent messages... I'll be back next week. Having some difficulty adjusting to new medication and old ones, but will in time. Stay happy my sweet friend, take care~

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, those photo's are nothing short of breathtaking! All those flowers...sigh!!! The ocean looks beautiful too:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Poppy
    The beauty of where you live just is stunning!
    I never quit being amazed by the beauty there.
    Thank you for sharing it with your photos!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. These pictures are breathtaking! I would love to live near the sea. And all of these flowers...an abundance of beauty!

    Thanks so much for your visit, Poppy!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  33. Lovely photos -- the sky is so blue one things that it can't be real. It must be something to close your eyes and feel the warm, warm sun on your face and the sound of the sea in your ears. What a lovely place.

    ReplyDelete
  34. OMG, what a beautiful country you live in! Your photos are breathtaking too! I would never leave the water, I love being by it so, so calming and relaxing. You can almost feel the wind the sun's warmth hitting you face. Thanks for sharing a place I would otherwise never get to see!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Such beautiful garden spaces with all the colourful flowers in the pots. And the view of course is spectacular! Wendy x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Poppy what a beautiful, peaceful place. The nuns certainly do a fabulous job making the grounds look perfect! Thanks for the virtual fieldtrip!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I do believe this is one of the most beautiful places you've shown us, and that is saying A LOT! The nuns should be commended for their painstaking attention to detail and obvious love for this lovely property. As always, thank you for making my day just a little bit brighter. (((Hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  38. You always take us to the most amazing places! Beautiful Poppy!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  39. As always i loved your photos! Thanks for sharing this beautiful and peaceful place above the sea! Also the informations are very useful! Have a great new week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Poppy - It looks ever so peaceful, as you say. I find the sea always to be calming in any form. Too bad I live so far inland. Thank you for sharing your beautiful sea with us.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a beautiful place!! I am your latest follower and I can't wait to see more of your posts! Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment on my blog. Gotta go now.....I've got some reading to do...:)

    ReplyDelete
  42. what a beautiful place. I love this post. I also love poppies. The geraniums are lovely, so lush and big. Great post
    Janice

    ReplyDelete
  43. How beautiful Poppy. Thanks for sharing.

    Madonna
    MakeMineLemon

    ReplyDelete
  44. Poppy mieszkasz w pięknym miejscu, te kolory, widoki, zapachy, wszystko Cię otacza wokół, jesteś szczęśliwa:)

    ReplyDelete
  45. It's so refreshing to come and visit you my friend. I enjoy every photo you share, so full of colours, so full of life. The view from that place is spectacular.
    Hope you have a lovely week.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I so enjoyed my tour. Your photos are always so lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sorry I didn't come along sooner. This place is beautiful, the Nun's certainly do a wonderful job, and how amazing are the views past the flowers and through the trees to the gorgeous azure sea.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I see no way of e-mailing you, so just want to alert you that although I am told I am already subscribed to receive your blogs via e-mail, I have not received them in some time. I would enjoy reading your posts regularly if you have a solution.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi, I'm visiting from Home and Garden Thursday. You were the link before me, so I decided to pop by to make your acquaintance. Your photos are stunning. What a beautiful part of the world you live in. I could easily be jealous!

    Blessings,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  50. Beautiful tour..
    I wish I could visit :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Such beautiful sunny vistas! Thank you for linking with Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  52. I would enjoy visiting here; there must be a feeling of tranquility, I would think.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a special place, and I love the bougainvillea!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Man! All the geranium are just amazing. What a very pretty place. You can see all the hard work has paid off.
    Thanks for sharing with Fresh-Cut Friday!
    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  55. What a beautiful tour! Thank you for sharing, I love the historical notes to this...

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!