The monastery of Mazaraki of Thiva was founded in the 16th century. From then dates its church too, dedicated to the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.

The church is built in Byzantine style from the stone of the neighbouring mountain, by the hands of ordinary builders of the village and ordinary monks during the difficult years of the Turkish rule. The Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian – Mazaraki entered a new era in 1969. Then, under Bishop Nicodemus Graikos of Thiva and Livadia, it was restored and reopened as a female monastery. New structures of “cells” and workshops were built and the historic church was renovated. The current sisterhood has been living here since 1981.

Their daily activities include goldsmithing, hagiography, incense kneading, traditional dough making, carpentry, cheese making and, above all, Byzantine music.

The patron saint of the monastery, Saint John the Theologian, is celebrated twice a year: on May 8 and September 26.