Remembering the tragic Arcadi Holocaust

Historians remember the Arcadi Monastery as the epi-center of one of the most dramatic events in the history of Crete. As a matter of fact, it symbolizes one of the most important acts of heroism and sacrifice of the Cretan Revolution.

Background History

Arkadi Monastery was founded in the second Byzantine period (961-1204). It was a center of arts and education. The monks also created wonderful gold-embroidered needlework.

Since 1669, the Ottoman Empire occupied Crete for over two hundred years. Consequently, the great intellect of Crete was suppressed, poetry died and art was left abandoned. People starved, lived depressed lives and were burdened by heavy taxes.

Beginning of the revolt

In 1866 rebels for the Cretan revolution created their headquarters in this fortress like monastery located in the village of Arcadi near Rethymnon, Crete. They were determined to win independence from the Turks and annex with Greece.

For fear of the eminent uprising, the Turkish Mustafa Bei threatened to invade the church with his entire army if the rebels did not surrender.

The Abbot of the monastery, Gabriel Marinakis decided to face Mustafa and his army. This was despite the repeated efforts of Colonel Panos Koronaios to persuade him to find shelter in another area. Only 259 men were present to protect the monastery.

Requesting help

They sought aid from neighboring villages. Unfortunately, their efforts had little effect. Only 264 people from the nearby village of Myopotamo led by the brave Ioannis Dimakopoulos, joined up with them to defend the Monastery. Moreover, 700 women and children from the neighboring areas took refuge there as soon as the turmoil started. Together they all prayed for the miracle of salvation to happen.

Invasion of the Turks

On the evening of November 7^th, Moustafa invaded the surrounding villages with 15,000 soldiers and 30 cannons. Τhe siege of the first day did not produce positive results for the Turks. The defenders of the monastery took courage from Gabriel Marinakis and were able to hold off the Turkish attack.

The following day, Moustafa received additional aid from the Turkish and Egyptian armies. Consequently, they captured some of the neighboring buildings near the monastery, circling the besieged even closer.

Last resort plan

Gabriel, who refused once again to surrender to the Turks, realized that the tragic end was near. Knowing that he would die that night, he and a rebel fighter named Konstantine Giaboudakis enacted a desperate plan. What they feared more than death was to fall into the hands of the Turks.

The tragic day

On that fateful day in November 964 souls prepared themselves for a sure death. The final heroic sacrifice took place the morning of November 9^th 1866, in the gunpowder storage room. All the fighters, woman and children gathered around Konstantino Giamboudaki.

As soon as the enemy broke down the door he lit a spark to one of the gunpowder kegs. As a result, more than 1500 Turks and the majority of the refugees were killed by the explosion. The 114 refugees who did survive were immediately put to death. Three managed to live to tell the tale.

Aftermath

News of the Arkadi Monastery holocaust shocked the rest of the world and won much support for the cause. In 1898, Crete won its independence from the Turks, and in 1913 Crete was finally free and united with Greece.

The monastery has since been completely restored to its former state. Only a half-burned icon near the Holy Tomb and a cannon ball wedged into an old cypress tree remain as testimony of the blood spilled 148 years ago….

Commemorative inscription found in the gunpowder room

“The flame that lit that day, resulting in an explosion that made the whole island of Crete light up, was the fire from god – a holocaust that sacrificed the Cretans in the name of freedom.”