BISHOP EFTHIMIOS

Even now, in the 21st Century, The Monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa keeps the traditional services of the Greek Orthodox Church and its high holidays. Bishop Efthimios Thouis is the head of the church and offers guidance to the 8 Monks that inhabit the site. The Monastery maintains a classic social structure, conducts traditional masses, and provides charity work for the Island of Corfu at large. The charity work provides the local community with financial support and spiritual guidance that has lasted throughout the centuries since its founding.

The Monastery further supports the community by housing indigent men and women in need of guidance and assistance. Bishop Thouis and his brethren also provide educational support and aide for the students of Corfu as well as others abroad.

It is the brotherhoods mandate to accept any citizen, foreigner, or tourist into the monastery's shelter as a welcome guest to which they provide genuine hospitality.

In 1989, the small museum inside the Monastery was created by Bishop Efthimios Thouis that houses many unique religious artifacts as well as magnificent paintings and ancient bibles written on papyrus. These are kept in a library renovated to preserve the ancient texts in pristine condition. This renovation, as well as others to the grounds, the church, and the road leading to monastery from the city of Corfu, were made possible through generous donations given by visitors and supporters from around the world.

The Bishop Efthimios Thouis and the eight monks that live in the monastery constantly strive to keep the spirit of the Orthodox church by keeping up with all of the traditions and holidays. The newly renovated roadway as well as the updated facilities draw a host of visitors that embrace the time honored masses and classic rituals as a means of connecting with the core of their personal faith.