Greece, Fanari in Apr 2026 Part 2 - Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Anastasiopolis, Easter celebration

This is part 2 of my exploration of the region near Fanari village. The focus here is on the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, Anastasiopolis ancient city and Easter celebration. Monastery of Saint Nicholas - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mY8McCmYbbd9g... The small monastery, which is part (metochion) of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, is built on two tiny islets in the lagoon of Porto Lagos in Xanthi, where mainland Greece and Lake Vistonis (Vistonida) meet the Thracian Sea. A few meters from the Monastery on the neighboring smaller island connected by a small wooden bridge, there is the Church of Panagia Pantanassa, where the miraculous image of the Mother of God, Pantanassa, which means “Queen of All Things,” is located. Many ill people and their families visit the church to worship and ask for healing. According to tradition and testimonies, the Monastery was inaugurated by the patriarch Nectarios in the presence of the Byzantine emperor Arcadius, to honor the Mother of God Pantanassa, who saved him during a shipwreck on the way from Rome. The modern monastery was built in 1904. Anastasiopolis fortress - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BG7Jjm4j62ymM... Parts of the fortification walls of the ancient city of Anastasiopolis (5th – 9th centuries) and Peritheorion (9th century) are still visible. The city of Anastasiopolis itself is first mentioned in the 6th century by the historian Procopius of Caesarea. The name is traced back to the emperor Anastasius I Dicorus (r. 491–518), who apparently founded it, or at least ordered extensive construction there.