The Mega Spilaio Monastery, located in the mountainous region of Peloponnese, became a target for the German military during World War II due to its perceived ties to local resistance efforts against Axis occupation. On December 8, 1943, the 117th Jäger Division, known for its swift military tactics, forcefully entered the monastery, rounding up monks and visitors alike. During this operation, they executed 22 individuals, including those seeking refuge in what was considered a sacred space.

The destruction of Mega Spilaio Monastery was not an isolated incident but rather one of many atrocities committed by the Nazis during their occupation of Greece. The event was a direct response to mounting resistance against their rule, with local fighters sabotaging German operations and disrupting supply lines. Following the attack on the monastery, further military reprisals escalated into the infamous Massacre of Kalavryta, where hundreds of male inhabitants of the town were killed, and the area was left in ruins, reflecting the brutal tactics employed by the occupiers in suppressing dissent.

This incident highlighted the extreme lengths to which the German forces would go to instill fear among the Greek population. The monks and visitors at Mega Spilaio, who were not involved in any military conflict, became collateral damage in a war characterized by its disregard for human life. These acts contributed to a growing cycle of violence and retaliation throughout the occupied territories, resulting in significant loss of life and cultural heritage.