The Legacy of Kyriakos Stournaras: A Beacon of Knowledge and Healing
In the picturesque region of Monemvasia, the legacy of Kyriakos Stournaras, the founder of the Evangelistria Monastery in Ieraka, continues to resonate through the memories of the local community. Renowned as a remarkable teacher and healer of his time, Stournaras played a pivotal role in educating many residents, including shepherds and villagers from Zaraka, in the fundamentals of reading and writing.
Historical accounts from older Zarakians, documented in the records of the Evangelistria Monastery, reveal that Stournaras imparted knowledge through the Octoechos and the Psalter. His dedication was so profound that he often risked his life to teach these simple folk, climbing treacherous cliffs to reach them. This commitment has immortalized him in the hearts of the Zarakians, who affectionately refer to him as «The Teacher» or «Saint Teacher.»
Stournaras chose the rugged caves of the «Balogairi» gorge, located in the area of Stavros-Stream, as his place of asceticism for an extended period. After initially residing in Cape Malea and the «Stavros» of Charaka, he decided to leave his monastic life at Mount Athos—first at the Monastery of Megisti Lavra and later at a skete of the Monastery of Pantaleon—to settle in the Peloponnese, specifically within the current boundaries of Monemvasia.
Visitors to this enchanting area can embark on a journey from Reihia towards «Glyfada.» Approximately midway, at the «Rachi of Mini,» they can park their vehicles and take the rugged path known as «Mites.» The breathtaking yet perilous views along the way reveal the gorge as a deep abyss beneath their feet, with cliffs that can take one’s breath away. It was in this challenging environment that the heroic monk Kyriakos Stournaras chose to reside temporarily, before eventually relocating to «Pyla» in Ieraka, where he founded the Evangelistria Monastery shortly thereafter.
Stournaras was not only a revered teacher but also a skilled practitioner of medicine. His knowledge of medicinal herbs, drawn from the rich flora of the region, allowed him to create remedies that utilized the local aromatic and medicinal plants, which still thrive in the area today.
His medical expertise and numerous achievements gained him a reputation that spread far beyond Laconia. However, this notoriety also attracted the ire of some local physicians, who accused him of practicing medicine without a license. This led to his summons to Nafplio, the capital of independent Greece at the time, to face legal proceedings.
During the court session, some attendees recognized him and, reportedly, apologized for the accusations. He was then brought before the Governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias, who, upon seeing and hearing him, expressed his admiration by kissing his hand and declaring, «They have brought my Teacher to be judged? He is the Light of all Greece!»
This account highlights the profound impact Kyriakos Stournaras had on his community and beyond, illustrating the intertwining of education, spirituality, and healing in a time of great change. His legacy remains a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and compassion in shaping lives and communities.
