The main Orthodox shrine of the island dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by the holy Patriarch Photius. Since then it has had a chequered history and the current edifice was built in 1894.

In 1844, the  Patriarch Herman IV, the Khalkhin Theological School was founded at the monastery, where the hierarchs of the Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and Hellas Orthodox Churches studied. During its existence, about a thousand students studied at the school.

 It was closed in 1971 but it is sometimes open to the public. If you’re lucky enough to get in, take a stroll in the beautiful gardens and climb the staircase to the first floor where you can visit some of the classrooms. It has a very special library which includes the manuscript "Sugdean Synaxarium"  (a book that includes short accounts of the lives of the saints or feasts and fastings arranged according to the Coptic calendar) which was found in the school library.