Holy Monastery of St George Peristereota (Rodochori, Naoussa)

At Rodochori on the foothills of Mount Vermio near Naoussa stands the Holy Monastery of St George Peristereota, the Greek refoundation of the great Pontic monastery that once rose on Mount Pyrgi near Trabzon (tradition: founded 752; abandoned January 1923).

In 1968 the Pontic association “St George Peristereota” began rebuilding on some 200 stremmata donated by Rodochori villagers; official inauguration followed on 16 June 1978. The site keeps treasured relics of the Pontic house—including the icon of St George, marble pieces from the old sanctuary, and the bones of hieromonks brought from Pontus—making it a twin spiritual pole with nearby Panagia Soumela for Pontic Orthodoxy in Imathia.

The feast of St George draws pilgrims each year. Dress modestly; combine with Soumela at Kastania when planning a Vermio pilgrimage day. Confirm current opening with local caretakers or the Metropolis, especially outside major feasts.