It is true that his conservatism brought it into conflict with the Community: since 1974 the monastery has not sent a representative to the Holy Community and in its functions it does not mention the patriarch. It is said that the strict character was founded with the foundation of the monastery; 10th century: the first monk insisted on wearing his robe too tight in the waist, since then the name of the monastery became synonymous with adherence to the rules of orthodoxy and the military discipline its monks follow.

The monastery is recorded as founded by Poulcheria, sister of Emperor Theodosius. The difficult years came before her early. In 1045, a terrible catastrophe by subsidence happened in the region, the Turks subsequently deserted the castle-monastery - abandoned for years - its high walls and the two towers were unable to defend it. Its’ reconstitution was assisted by the Russian Tsar Alexander.

The monastery is dedicated to Ascension of the Lord. Its name probably comes from its tight position between three hills - Zoodochos Pigi, Samareia, Grimpovitsa.

Its most valuable talisman is The Cross of Poulcheria, from sparkling gems.