Panagia the Rethiotissa: The Highness and Lady of the Swamptranslated
“…During my life, I committed many sins. Jesus Christ cleansed me of them through His sacrifice and my faith in Him. And from a man of perdition he made me an heir of eternal light and eternal life…”
Great Martyr Agios Arethas
Professor Christos Ger writes. Shias
Today, September 8, Tuesday, our church celebrates the Birthday of the Theotokos and the Holy Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos or Panagia Arethiotissa, the Lady of the Swamp, Retha or Aretha celebrates.
The monastery is located on a low hill of Makrynoros in a dense forest of oak and plane trees, in the province of Valtos of Etoloakarnania and is about 20 kilometers from the beautiful city of Amfilochia and 5 kilometers from the village of Agia Triada Valtos.
The Holy Monastery of Retha for the local residents or Aretha, as we find it in many Episcopal documents as well as documents of the former Municipality of Amvrakia, is the most famous monastery in the area, the Most Holy Pilgrimage of Valtos, it is "The Lady of the Marsh". It has a great historical and spiritual contribution to the region and, despite the signs of time, it still impresses visitors - pilgrims today. The tradition of the inhabitants…
