Subcategory Ecclesiastical Monuments

Monastery of Saint Solomoni, Akovos, Megalopoli

Description

The small Byzantine church of Saint Solomoni stands atop a hill southeast of the village of Akovos in Arcadia. During the period of Ottoman rule, the monastery experienced notable prosperity thanks to its extensive landed property, while according to local tradition, one of the Christian schools of the area operated within its katholikon. During the War for Independence, the monastery hosted several fighters for a few days and served as a gathering point and planning site for resistance actions against the forces of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt.

Accompanying text
In his letter of 18 December 1819, Archimandrite Grigorios Dikaios (Papaflessas) urges the inhabitants of Poliani to establish a “workshop of learning,” a Greek school where the children of the region could be taught sacred and divinely inspired lessons. He proposes that the most suitable place for the school’s foundation is the Monastery of Saint Solomoni, which he considers quiet and conducive to study. There, the students would also be able to attend church regularly and listen to ecclesiastical teachings, as befitting every Christian. The letter closes with Papaflessas’ heartfelt blessings to the community.