The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint Nikanoras (Transformation of the Savior) of Zavorda was built in 1534 by Saint Nikanora (1491-1549), who descended from Thessaloniki. It is located in Grevena, on the left bank of Aliakmonas river, near the region of Deskati. There was the village of Zavorda, after which it was named.
The icon of the Transformation discovered by the Saint (who lived as a hermit in the area) after a vision he had, was the reason of the foundation of this Stavropegic and Patriarchal Monastery. It is still kept in the temple along with countless holy relics of saints.
Next to the Catholic (katholikon, major temple) there is the chapel of Saint Athanasius.
A high wall with embrasures surrounds the monastery and gives the impression of a fortress. Near the monastery, in the middle of a cliff, there is the skete of the saint.
Invaluable is the spiritual, national and social offer of the Monastery.
Since 1995, when a terrible earthquake struck the area, until today, mounted young people move on 18 January the relics of the saint to their place, which next are wandering from house to house until the Great Thursday, when they are returned to the Monastery.
The Monastery celebrates on 8/6 the day of the Transformation and one day after, on 8/7 on the feast of Saint Nikanoras.
In the Catholic (katholikon, major temple) are kept:
• The icon of the Savior Christ, which is silver-plated. This icon was discovered by Saint Nikanora after a vision he had so he built his monastery.
• The Holy Relics of the Saint, placed in silver cases, which bear embossed displays of saints.
• The case in which the kara (head of holy relic) of Saint Nikarona is kept and is decorated with embossed displays of saints, two-headed eagles and gemstones.
• Holy Relics of Saint John Chrysostom.
• Holy Relics of Saint Gedeon of Karakalinos.
• Holy Relics of Saints Cyril and Juliet.
• Apostles’ Andrew, Barnabas and Bartholomew.
• Saint’s George from Ioannina.
• Saint’s Demetrius The Great Martyr.
• Saint’s Demetrius of Samarini.
