RELIGIOUS LIFE TROUGH THE AGES 
The Cretans couldn't live in peace and freedom for almost 2000 years because of the occupation by the Romans, Venetians, Pirates, Turks and recently by the Germans. Each of the occupiers wanted the control of the island for the strategic position in the Mediterranean and the high cultural standard and working skills of the Cretans. The island was for 75% covered with trees and many of the wood was turned into ships, bridges and furnitures for the North Europeans. Olive oil and wine, fruits and vegetables, it was stolen from the Cretans and brought to the home countries from the occupiers.
With all their suffering in the economical way, it did'nt made the Cretans losing their faith, their religion and their celebrations. The Church and its servants were the leaders in the uprising against the occupation and their demand was at first to give at least the locals their freedom of religion.With the Romans and Venetians there were not many difficulties about this, although Catholics and Orthodox were not friends in those days. It was the Turkish Muslim occupation that forbid religious services in the Churches and many priest, that did not obey this rule where killed by the Turks. During that period the Cretans went into the Monasteries and many of these centers became the resistance hearts for the revolt from Cretan people.
On Crete you can visit the TOP 3. The leading centers during the Turkish occupation from 1643-1896.
For their history click on the links.
Monastery Arkadi is 21 Km. from the town of Rethymno.
http://www.dgloader.dsl.pipex.com/arkadi.htm
Monastery Preveli is 13 Km. from Plakias on the South coast.
http://www.preveli.org
This is the old abonded Monastery near the river.
http://www.dgloader.dsl.pipex.com/preveli.htm
Monastery Toplou is 15 Km from Sitia in the east.
Around the island there are about 100 other Monasteries. Some you can visit, some are ruins or they are deserted. If you are interested in the Churches and Monasteries from Crete, you'll find here in the bookshops a very interesting book with all the religious places.
One thing always to remember when placing a visit to a monastery in your program. Make sure you dont enter the place in your bikinis or shorts. Wear long skirts or trousers and have your shoulders covered. I have met people making "eyes" at me once I announced that on an excursion but than I had always my answer ready, which was: How do you go on sunday to your own church ? In your speedos !! No further comment was needed.........
Make no photos of the valuable icons because the flashlight destroys the vernish and the business from the postcards or copy icons from which many monasteries can continue to stay open for the tourism.
In many monasteries today live only a few Monks or Nuns, the religious life in Greece is declining when it comes to serve 100 % only to God. The job of being a Priest is going well, with new young men choosing for this life next to another profession and making a family life.
Other Interesting Monasteries are
Monastery Vrondizi near Zaros, south Crete
Monastery Valsomonero near Zaros, south Crete
Monastery Agios Nicolaos in the Rouvas Gorge near Zaros
Monastery Kaliviannis near Mires, south Crete
Monastery Prophet Ilias near Rethymno
Monastery Agia Triada, near Airport Chania
Monastery Katholiko near Airport Chania
Monastery Gonias nearKolimbari west Crete
Monastery Chrissokalitissa , west Crete near Elafonissi
Monastery Agia Irini near Rethymno
Monastery Savathianos, near Heraklion
Monastery Kardiotissas, near Malia
