Holy Monastery of St John the Forerunner – Skete of Veria

On the southern bank of the Aliakmonas River, about four kilometres from the bridge on the road toward Vergina, stands the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of St John the Forerunner – Skete of Veria. It is one of the oldest living monasteries of the Holy Metropolis of Veria, Naoussa and Kampania, set at the foot of the Pieria mountains in a landscape long known as a spiritual retreat.

Tradition and sources place monastic life here from the early Byzantine centuries; in the 14th century St Gregory Palamas shaped the Skete of Veria. Saints who sojourned here include St Dionysios of Olympus, St Theonas, St Kosmas Aitolos, and St Anthony the New—patron of Veria—who reposed nearby. Burned in 1822, the monastery was rebuilt in the 19th century and has been carefully restored in recent decades under its brotherhood.

Pilgrims can visit for prayer and the liturgy. Typical visiting hours published by the Metropolis: Sunday all day; Monday and Friday 17:00–21:00; other days 07:00–13:30 and 17:00–21:00. Modest dress is expected. Confirm current hours before travelling, as monastic schedules may change.