Greek inscription
The monastery was founded in 1080 by Manuel, bishop of Strumica, who had previously been a monk in the monastery of Saint Auxentius near Chalcedon (Bithynia). This is evidenced by 2 Greek inscriptions on marble slabs above the doors leading to the narthex (during the First World War they were taken to Bulgaria and are kept in the Archaeological Museum in Sofia; now they have been replaced with copies).
Greek inscription
The monastery was founded in 1080 by Manuel, bishop of Strumica, who had previously been a monk in the monastery of Saint Auxentius near Chalcedon (Bithynia). This is evidenced by 2 Greek inscriptions on marble slabs above the doors leading to the narthex (during the First World War they were taken to Bulgaria and are kept in the Archaeological Museum in Sofia; now they have been replaced with copies).