West of the Jordan River, St Gerasimos established in 455 A.D. a monastery named after him, next to Malawon, which includes a small chapel and a cave where - according to tradition - the Holy Family is believed to have sought shelter. In 617 AD, Deir Malawon and Deir San Gerasimo became a single monastery known as Deir Hajla. A guardian of the monastery for forty years, the Greek Orthodox monk Christotomos stresses the spiritual importance of the place recalling the experience of Jesus Christ in the desert. "Monasticism - he said - and dedication to prayer, isolation and spiritual meditation are the fundamental principles of this monastery. The renovations carried out over the past four decades, thanks to the help of the monks, turned it into a paradise in which sanctity is intertwined with natural treasures".   Greek pilgrim   "I'm delighted to visit this ancient monastery. I feel that the Lord has granted me the opportunity I desperately need. In my opinion, I believe that those who built this monastery drew inspiration directly from God. The beauty of the structure added to the spirituality that transpires is overwhelming and makes me feel even closer to God than ever before".   A monastery adorned with many icons and surrounded by nature, where flags fly on behalf of the countries of origin of the pilgrims who visit the place.     In the cave where the Holy Family is believed to have sought shelter on their flight to Egypt, escaping King Herod, a painting representing the Mother of God welcomes pilgrims who have come to meditate and obtain special blessings.     During the feast of St Gerasimos, celebrated on 4 March, many faithful go on pilgrimage to pray and ask for his intercession with the song: "You who heal the sick and the souls of those who beseech you with faith, be our intercessor. Glory is given to Him who gave you power and crowned you with glory".   Read More