Holocaust of the Palaiomonástiro on 15 September 1825:
Remembering the Fight for Greek Freedom and National Independence
In the year 1825, the region once known as Morea, and today recognised as the Peloponnese, bore witness to a profoundly distressing chapter in its history. The catalyst for this ordeal unfolded on August 30th when Egyptian army general Ibrahim Pasha launched a campaign marked by devastation, terror, and chaos throughout Morea, the ancient Peloponnese. This grim expedition left villages in ruins, frightened communities seeking refuge in the mountains, and Greek fighters under the leadership of Theodoros Kolokotronis engaged in a determined struggle.
However, the most sombre day of all arrived on September 15, 1825, forever etched into memory as the Holocaust of the Palaiomonástiro in Vrontamas. It was on this day that 400 courageous Vrontamites boldly declared "OXI" (no) in defiance of Ibrahim's assault, just seven kilometres from Geraki. What followed was a relentless and brutal response from the Ottomans, an event that would come to symbolise Greece's enduring struggle for independence and freedom.
Ibrahim Pasha's Campaign Begins (August 30, 1825) The grim campaign commenced as General Ibrahim Pasha and his forces departed from their fortified camp in Tripolitsa. Their mission was to sow chaos throughout Morea, with a particular focus on the rugged Parnon Mountains. Their initial target was Trinisa, situated at the estuary of the Evrotas River where it flows into the Laconian Gulf. Local resistance crumbled, and the nearby villages in the Elos plain fell victim to looting and arson. Frightened residents sought refuge in the Parnon Mountains, notably in the densely wooded Zarakas region.
Gathering of Greek Resistance (September 5, 1825)
As Ibrahim's troops established a camp roughly 30 kilometres from Trinisa, near Molaoi, Theodoros Kolokotronis, a prominent Greek leader, descended from the mountains near Kosmas of Kynouria. Their mission was to defend the southern flank, forming a defensive line extending from Kourkoúla to Gkagkaniá, Toúrla, and Koulochéra. Meanwhile, Greek fighters, under the command of notable revolutionaries like Giannakis Notaras, gathered around Agios Petros.
Ibrahim's Onslaught Continues (September 11, 1825)
Ibrahim Pasha's relentless march led him to Niata and Apidia as he moved toward the Kounoupochoria, a cluster of villages in southern Parnon. On September 11, skirmishes erupted near Mariorema, where Greek fighters, led by Staikos Staikopoulos, confronted the enemy. The Zacharopoulos brothers guarded the Kosmas pass, which was essential for controlling access to the Kynouria region.
On the same day, clashes occurred in the wooded slopes of Elatias above Karitsa, resulting in minor casualties on both sides. Local legends recounted a fierce battle between Ibrahim's troops and Kolokotronis' fighters, with the Ottomans reportedly burying their fallen in the area, now known as "Mnimata" or Graves. Panic-stricken villagers of Karitsa sought refuge in the dense forest of Tsouka, from where they witnessed the devastation of their homes.
Torching of Geraki (September 12, 1825)
On September 12, 1825, Ibrahim's forces descended upon Geraki, setting the town ablaze and causing hundreds of casualties. Surrounding olive groves and scrubland also went up in flames. Many locals fled to the mountains, while women and children sought refuge in Sormpanos, hoping to escape to the islands of Spetses and Hydra. Regrettably, not all would reach safety.
In eastern Laconia, distressed folk sought shelter in the old castle of Kyparissi, situated in an isolated and mountainous area known as "Koulia." The monks of the small monastery of Agios Theodoros in Chararakas abandoned their abode upon hearing of Ibrahim's approach.
Holocaust of the Palaiomonástiro in Vrontamas (September 15, 1825)
September 15, 1825, stands as a day of infamy, just seven kilometres from Geraki. On this day, 400 villagers of Vrontamas, resolute and defiant, thundered "OXI" in response to Ibrahim's assault. The Ottoman retaliation was swift and merciless, involving fire and sulphur. This tragic confrontation would forever symbolize the indomitable spirit of Greece's struggle for independence.
The women and children of Vrontamas had sought refuge in Palaiomonástiro, a cave church adorned with rare frescoes dating back to 1201 AD. Led by the village priest Papa-Dimitris Papadimitriou and local chieftain Giannakis Karampas, their spirit and determination remained unbroken.
Ibrahim's troops scoured the area for information but were met with silence. Eventually, they discovered the hidden refuge of 300 to 400 Vrontamites, a monastery perched atop an inaccessible cliff face. The siege began, with relentless attacks. From within the monastery, the defiant villagers sang and chanted, further infuriating Ibrahim. Recognising a weakness in the monastery's roof, the Ottomans ordered it blasted. "Fire and sulphur!" cried the Ottomans, and thus, the holocaust of Palaiomonástiro became an indelible testament to the struggle for Greek independence.
Conclusion
It is incumbent upon us today to ensure that the memory of these dark days never fades. We owe it to our forebears and their unrelenting fight for a free and independent homeland.
Let the memory of the martyrs and fighters of Palaiomonástiro in Vrontamas endure for eternity, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who fought for the independence and freedom of Greece.
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