Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Kapsa, Siteia
The Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Timios Prodromos) in Kapsa, Siteia, is one of the most important monasteries in Crete, with a rich history and deep spiritual tradition.

Foundation and Location:
The Monastery is located at the southeastern tip of Crete, near Cape Goudouras, in a panoramic position overlooking the Libyan Sea. It is built on a steep mountainside at an altitude of 57 meters, centered around the double cave-church of St. John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity. The area is surrounded by numerous caves and the famous Pervolakia Gorge. The old Monastery probably dates back to the Venetian period or even the Roman era, as suggested by the preserved frescoes and inscriptions.

Saint Joseph the Gerontogiannis:
He was born in 1799 in the Kapsa Hermitage and, after personal tragedies, dedicated his life to religion. Through deep faith, ascetic practice, and miraculous gifts, he became known for his healings and blessings. In 1841, he settled in the Kapsa desert and began renovating the Monastery, which included repairing old buildings, constructing new ones, and creating infrastructure such as water cisterns. His work also included charity, spiritual guidance, and prophetic gifts. He passed away on August 6, 1874, and his relics became a site of popular pilgrimage.

The Monastery in Modern Times:
After the Saint’s death, the abbacy was taken over by his grandson, Archimandrite Joseph Gerontakis, who continued the Monastery’s renovation and administrative development. In the 20th century, the Monastery served as a place of national action during the Italian-German occupation, providing shelter and aid to patriots and Allied soldiers. After the war, reconstruction continued, and since 1975, the current abbot, Archimandrite Methodios Perakis, has overseen further restoration and maintenance.

Attractions and Visitation:
The Monastery offers panoramic views of the Libyan Sea and includes unique artistic elements such as the carved wooden iconostasis and the stone-decorated floor. The sacred relics of Saint Joseph and other saints are preserved, as well as a fragment of the True Cross. The cave of the Saint, where he lived as a hermit for 17 years, is accessible via a path and contains stalactites and a holy spring.

Feasts:
The Monastery celebrates the Beheading of St. John the Baptist on August 29 and the memory of Saint Joseph the Gerontogiannis on August 7, with participation of many faithful and all-night vigils.