A short trek to Panagia of the Cyclades
"Panagia kept the seas in her apron. Sikino, Amorgos and’ but her children"
"Cicadas" Od. Elytis
The Virgins of the Cyclades built next to the waves of the Aegean or hidden from pirates in the interior of the islands, με δεσπόζουσα θέση στην κεντρική πλατεία της Χώρας ή μικροσκοπικές και απομονωμένες ανάμεσα στις ξερολιθιές, αποτελούν έναν ύμνο στην Παναγιά αλλά και στην ίδια την ομορφιά και τη μαγεία του Αρχιπελάγους.
Most celebrate in the heart of August, the fifteenth of August, just at the time when the beginning of the end of summer is visible and they hide different symbols for each islander and each Cycladic.
For those who once left for a better fortune, αποτελούν το ορόσημο για το ετήσιο αντάμωμα με τους συμπατριώτες τους.
Για άλλους που είναι πιστοί στις παραδόσεις συμβολίζουν την επιστροφή στην πατρίδα των παιδικών τους χρόνων.
For those who love and serve art, another piece in the puzzle of their knowledge.
For travel lovers, another trip to the deep blue waters of the Aegean.
There is always an occasion to get to know new places and their people.
Στη γιορτή του Δεκαπενταύγουστου από όλων τα χείλη ακούγεται το τάμα ότι και του χρόνου θα είμαστε εκεί παρόντες πάλι να γιορτάσουμε την Παναγιά τη μητέρα όλων μας, life itself, for another summer.
And the journey begins....
VIRGIN THE SEA, Man's
«Άγιε Νικόλα φύλαγε κι αγιά Θαλασσινή ..» Νίκος Καββαδίας
In Andros, at the entrance of the Country, on the rock of Plakoura, the modest and beautiful church of "Panagia tis Thalassini" is built.
Η λαϊκή παράδοση λέει πως ένα βράδυ με τρομερή τρικυμία οι ντόπιοι είδαν την εικόνα της Παναγίας να πλέει στη θάλασσα εκπέμποντας ένα αλλόκοτο φως. At the exact spot where the wave removed the icon, the Andriotians built the small church of Panagia, which they called "the sea" after she came alone to the coast traveling over the waves of the sea.
Ένας άλλος θρύλος μας διηγείται πως τα ξύλα που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για τη στέγη του ναού της Παναγίας Θαλασσινής είναι «δώρο» κάποιου καπετάνιου, that when his ship was in danger from a storm, threw them into the sea, and holding them tight in the sea managed to get to the shore.
Η Παναγία Θαλασσινή, according to tradition, protects those who travel at sea, together with Agios Nikolaos and Her presence could not be absent from Andros, ένα κυκλαδονήσι με τόσο μακρά και ένδοξη ναυτική παράδοση.
Panagia Thalassini (or "Agia Thalassini", as the Andriotes usually call her) constitutes, together with the Tourlitis lighthouse and the Sailor statue, a triptych of high symbolism for Andros, but also the most internationally famous and much-photographed sights of the island nation.
Από τον λιθόκτιστο εξώστη της Παναγίας Θαλασσινής ο προσκυνητής έχει την χαρά να ατενίζει την αρχόντισσα Χώρα, Tourlitis standing proudly and dominating the entrance of the port and the vast blue of the sea that opens in front of him, sometimes sunken and sometimes again bathed in the golden light of the Aegean.
The Andriotes, islanders, with deep faith in them and the reverence that distinguishes them, they built a beautiful little church to house their own Virgin Mary, the Virgin of the sea, of sailors and their estranged children, but also the Virgin of prayer and good hope, for the return of travelers from the seas and oceans of the earth, where the Andriot shipping spread historically and became famous.
Of particular interest is the Ephesian icon of Panagia Thalassini, which shows the Virgin Mary wearing a blue tunic, wanting to show her relationship with the sea, while we know from the rules of iconography, that the mother of Christ always wears a red tunic externally, indicating her human nature and blue or dark green inside, which testifies to the immediate, her mysterious and miraculous association with the birth of the God-man.
On the outer wall of the small church there are embedded two marble plaques referring to the restoration and maintenance works of the church that have been carried out at the expense of the Vassilis and Elizas Goulandris Foundation and, The year 2009, of Michalis and Elli Goulandris. Next to the entrance of the church there is a metal bell with a relief representation of the Crucified Christ which reads: "Holy Church of Agia Thalassini L K".
The Synaxis of Panagia Thalassini in Andros is celebrated every year, the summer, at 15 August.
PANAGIA THE THEOSKAPASTI, in Andros
According to tradition, one stormy night the icon of the Virgin came from the sea to the shore with a strange light. Islanders followed it and it led them to a cave, where on seaweed they saw Her image. They took her to the chapel of Agios Athanasios, but the next day the image returned to the cave! The temple was built there. Timber from a ship washed up by the sea near the temple was used to make the roof. The locals believed that the Virgin Mary sent her and called her Theoskepasti.
OUR VIRGIN OF TINOS: The Holy Church of Evangelistria in Tinos
The holy church of Panagia of Tinos, also known as Panagia Evangelistria, is one of the most important religious centers of Orthodoxy worldwide and the most frequent pilgrimage destination in Greece. The largest religious pilgrimage in island Greece always remains a celebration of hope and faith. For the power of man and for all that he can create. The island of Tinos is inextricably linked with the Temple of Megalochari and for many they are identified. The Temple itself is referred to among the Tinians as "Panagia".
On the site of the Holy Church of Evangelistria there used to be a Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis the Forerunner, which according to tradition was set on fire in a pirate raid by the Saracens, while in antiquity there was an ancient temple dedicated to Dionysus in the same place.
It was built in its original form within three years (1823-1826) thanks to the voluntary work of the Tinians and the monetary contributions of believers from every corner of Greece and is the first notable architectural monument of the liberated Greek nation.
It is a tripartite temple with vaulted aisles and a dome above the Holy Altar, which was architecturally edited by Smyrnios Efstratios Kalonaris. The marbles used by Panormos and Delos, they carved artists of Exo Meria giving their best.
The 29m high bell tower., with three lanterns (floors), it resembles that of Agia Fotini of Smyrna and it was restored 1957 by Ioannis Philippotis. Outdoors, mosaics were created from white and black sea pebbles.
The hundreds of tombs inside the temple hide each one of its own history.
The church
The holy temple of Megalochari was erected immediately after the miraculous icon was found.
Its majestic construction (including the iconography and edifices surrounding the temple) completed eight (8) years later, in 1830-1831.
The church is essentially a monastic complex. A host of skilled artisans and talented artists worked tirelessly to carve the lustrous marbles and craft the magnificent interior of the temple. At the same time, the gold and silver generously offered to the Virgin by Christians from all over the world, the huge chandeliers and countless candelabra forming endless rows of light compose a magnificent work of Christian art and architecture. In this same space, the Divine Liturgy has been celebrated continuously since the first day of the opening of the church until today, flooding the space with holy emotion and religious grandeur.
The finding of the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary kept in the temple coincided with the establishment of the newest Greek state. Over the centuries, the Holy Icon was associated with sensational reports of numerous miracles taking place. So, this miraculous image was an indication of the redeeming intervention of the Virgin and a confirmation of her existence on Earth.
The picture
The church of Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos is dedicated to the holy icon discovered there in 1823. According to tradition, Sister Pelagia, a young nun from the Holy Monastery of Kehrovouni saw a vision: the Virgin Mary appeared before her and asked her to find and bring to light a miraculous icon that had been buried in the earth for years. The relevant legend states that as soon as the image saw the light of the sun, a glass cover was created to protect her. The men who dug up the image succeeded in breaking it, and those who touched it were healed.
Among the first visitors who arrived on the island to worship the holy icon were the heroes of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis, Andreas Miaoulis and Ioannis Makrygiannis.
In the picture, the Virgin Mary is depicted in a prayerful posture reciting the words from an open book in front of her. In front of her we see the Archangel Gabriel holding a lily in his hands, symbol of purity, while the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends from heaven.
The technique of the Holy Icon is considered older than the Byzantine period and goes back to the early Christian times. The studies related to its origin led to the conclusion that Megalochari of Tinos is the work of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. Nowadays, the Holy Icon is covered with gold and precious stones, which are offerings of the faithful and an expression of their deep faith and gratitude to Her.
The auxiliary spaces, τα μουσεία-συλλογές στον Ιερό Ναό Ευαγγελιστρίας Τήνου
Foundation Service
Chapel: In the chapel to the right of the main entrance the pilgrim can light his candle, since for reasons of protection of the interior of the Temple but also to facilitate the smooth flow of the faithful, not allowed in the main Temple.
Confessions: In the confessionals on the west side of the complex, the sacrament of confession is celebrated.
End, in areas in the forecourt of the Holy Temple the following museums - collections are housed:
Exhibition of Ecclesiastical Relics and Pictures, Mausoleum of Helli, Antonio Sochos Museum, Museum of Tinian Artists, Gallery.
The celebration
Panagia of Tinos celebrates four days a year: at 30 January, day of finding the miraculous image, at 25 Of March, day of the Annunciation of the Virgin on 23 July, vision day of Agia Pelagia and on 15 August, day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. August 15th is the day dedicated to the Assumption of the Magnificent. During the celebrations and after the Divine Liturgy, followed by a majestic procession through the streets of the city. The same day, Tinos also celebrates the torpedoing of 1940 of the battleship "Elli", which was anchored in the bay of the island.
This episode also marked the involvement of Greece in the Second World War.
MONASTERY OF THE VIRGIN OF TOURLIANI, Άνω Μερά Μυκόνου
In Ano Mera Mykonos is the historical monastery of Panagia Tourliani, which was founded in 1542 by monks who came from Paros, in a place where the church of the Entrance of the Virgin was formerly located. The 1767 ανακαινίσθηκε από τον Ιερομόναχο Ιγνάτιο Μπάσουλα και απέκτησε τη σημερινή της μορφή. The catholicon of the monastery is a three-nave cruciform Byzantine church with a dome and has a towering marble spire. The central nave of the catholicon is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, the left aisle is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin and the right aisle to Saint Ignatius the God-bearer. The admirable wood-carved baroque iconostasis of the three-aisled church, the episcopal throne and pulpit (end of 18th c.) they are said to have been made in Florence, while the beautiful icons of the iconostasis belong to the iconographer John "of Corfu".
The architecture of the complex impresses the visitor with its modest magnificence, who will admire in his courtyard the rich relief decoration of the marble spire and the fountain, characteristic examples of the traditional marble sculpture of the Cyclades.
The icon of our Virgin Mary is not caught by a saraki because it is painted on a slab of chewed wax and mastic from Chios, mixture immune to insects.
Tradition says that the icon is the work of the Evangelist Luke. The contribution of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Tourliani to national and social struggles was decisive., since thanks to her property she became "the food of the hungry and the home of the old and poor". The icon of Panagia Tourliani is carried with a litany every first Sunday of Lent in Chora, in one of the three parish churches of Chora (great Panagia, Everlasting, Agia Kyriaki), where he remains until Lazarus Saturday. In the monastery's collections there are many old tools and utensils, important ecclesiastical relics, αρχιερατικά άμφια επίπλωση (a woodcut epitaph, ratios etc.), μεταβυζαντινές εικόνες και διάφορα άλλα αφιερώματα.
Το δεκαπενταύγουστο γίνεται το μεγαλύτερο πανηγύρι του νησιού, while the Nine Days of the Virgin Mary are celebrated with grandeur.
VIRGIN EKATONTAPILIANI VIII CATAPOLIANI. at Paros
In Parikia, a short distance from the port is the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, or Katapolianis for the locals. Both names of the church "Ekatontapiliani" and "Katapoliani" have been in parallel use since the middle of the 16th century. But the official name is Ekatontapiliani, where according to tradition it has gates (doors) ενώ η εκατοστή θα φανερωθεί με το άνοιγμα αντίστοιχης μυστικής πόρτας όπου βρίσκεται στην Αγία Σοφία. Panagia Ekatontapyliani or Katapoliani is one of the most famous pilgrimages in the Aegean.
It is one of the most important well-preserved early Christian monuments found in Greek territory and indeed the largest in size. According to tradition, the original building of the church was the work of the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great and Saint Constantine to fulfill the wish of his mother Saint Helen. It is referred that, κατά το ταξίδι της Βασιλομήτορος Ελένης προς τους Αγίους Τόπους λόγω μεγάλης θαλασσοταραχής το πλοίο που επέβαινε αναγκάστηκε να καταφύγει στην Πάρο. While praying there, Saint Helen commanded the Virgin Mary that after the completion of her journey, she should build a magnificent church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. This dream was realized by her son Constantine the Great by building a three-aisled basilica in the 4th century. In the 6th century under Emperor Justinian this temple was renovated, the old roof was removed and a semi-domed dome was added. According to tradition, these conversions were made by a student of the architect of Hagia Sophia who surpassed his teacher in the art. το Η ιερή εικόνα της Παναγίας της Εκατονταπυλιανής θεωρείται έργο του 17ου αιώνα και φέρεται στο Ιερό Εικονοστάσιο που χωρίζει τον κυρίως ναό από το Ιερό Βήμα.
Believers or not, the pilgrimage to Panagia of Paros is mandatory if you find yourself on the island. In the form it survives today, it is an impressive three-aisled basilica with a dome and three chapels, with unique frescoes in that of Agios Nikolaos. The baptistery, with a marble built swimming pool in the shape of a cross, extremely rare in Byzantine church architecture and unique in the Greek area, recalls once again the amazing creations from the island's marble.
Without the Parian marble, the sculpture and church building of antiquity would have been different and certainly poorer. The Parian marble, known as a "lamplighter", was the whitest and clearest - they were made by’ this the pediments of the Parthenon, the Venus of Milos, the Hermes of Praxiteles and dozens of other masterpieces. Marathi village is worth a visit, where the Ancient Quarries of Paros are located, to see the evolution of quarrying methods and admire pure white pieces of marble, mined in antiquity, with the inscriptions of the artists who worked on them.
VIRGIN DROSIANI, on the Tragaia plateau of Naxos
The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, it hides a Virgin Mary of unique beauty and value. Panagia the Drosiani, is located in the interior of the island ,on the northern edge of the Drymalia valley, south of Moni village, next to the beautiful Halki, is one of the oldest early Christian monuments in Greece and one of the oldest Christian churches in the Balkans. indeed, for the island, Panagia Drosiani is a religious center of great importance and one of the most historic Byzantine monasteries, attracting the interest of pilgrims from all over the world.
The original temple is a single-bay triconch with a dome, built with rough stones and covered with slabs. It was built in the 6th AD. century and is actually a tiny complex of one church that hides three chapels inside. Byzantine frescoes and two bell towers of exceptional art complete the beauty and make the spot one of the most beautiful on the island. It is dedicated to the Virgin of rain, as the Naxiotes live on a fruitful island, they always looked to the sky for the dew that would water their land.
Most of the temple was buried and only in its decade 70 excavations were carried out by the archaeological service where it was fully revealed. Until then the only place that was visible was the main church which was also the most recent. The name "Drosiani", according to tradition, came when Panagia "cooled" the place, after a long dry spell.
The unique double representation of Christ in the dome, as a young man with a little beard and as a mature man with a beard, probably interprets the doctrine of the double ,divine and human, nature of the God-man. In the alcove of the sanctuary's arch, the Ascension is represented, where six angels appear, instead of four as usual. Inside, successive layers of frescoes are preserved, το νεότερο των οποίων χρονολογείται στο 14ο αιώνα και κάλυπταν το αρχικό στρώμα των τοιχογραφιών του μνημείου τον 7ο αι.
A tower monastery full of art
Very close to Panagia Drosiani, in the plain of Agiasos, a former tower monastery has been transformed into an amazing art space. Bazaio Tower was built about four centuries ago, originally as the Monastery of the Holy Cross.
Today it is the place where the Naxos Festival takes place. We can enjoy the subversive marble crosses located in the old refectory of the monastery and the work "Keros" in the tiny cell of the first floor.
VIRGIN HOZOBIOTISSA, στην Αμοργό
The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos, is a beautiful Byzantine monastery built on the slopes of the steep rock at an altitude of 300 meters from the endless blue of the Aegean, ορατή μόνο από το πέλαγος. From a distance it looks like a white painting on menacing and steep rocks.
According to tradition, the Monastery was founded by the emperor Alexios I Komnenos 1088, when the icon of the Virgin arrived there in a miraculous way, where in the period of the Iconoclasm she had been sent by a woman from Chozovo in Asia Minor, from where she got her name Hozoviotissa. Another version states that the monastery was founded in the 9th century by monks from Palestine and was later renovated by the emperor Alexios I during 1207.
Η εικόνα της Παναγίας της Χοζοβιώτισσας θεωρείται ότι είναι έργο του Ευαγγελιστή Λουκά. During the week of Diakainisimo, according to their old custom, the icon of the Virgin Mary is carried with a litany to almost the entire island of Amorgos. According to tradition ,the icon of the Virgin Mary arrived in a boat , in which a light was burning, πράγμα που αρχικά φόβισε τους κατοίκους πως πρόκειται για πειρατικό πλοίο. But when they approached and saw the image, they decided to build a church on the shore and place it.
The church is long 40 meters wide approx 5 μέτρα και ανυψώνεται σε 8 levels reaching them 23 meters high.
In austerity, unnecessary and at the same time imposing monastery, the visitor arrives by climbing approx 300 stairs. You can't help but stand in awe of this strange edifice of his 1017.
Narrow stairs, stone or masonry, σκαλισμένες πάνω στο βράχο, they connect the floors of the monastery. The monks' cells are also carved into the rock, the kitchens, the warehouses, the winepresses and the wells. The hospitable monks treat visitors to coffee and Turkish delight.
Inside the monastery there are two inscribed icons of the Virgin Mary and a hexapterygo dating back to the time of Emperor Alexios I Comnenus. The images are living testimonies of the origin of the image, ότι προέρχτοναι από την περιοχή Χοζιβά ή Χόζοβο των Αγίων Τόπων, from where she got her name.
VIRGIN KALAMIOTISSA, in Anafi
When the visitor arrives by boat in Anafi, he will distinguish to his right, on the eastern side of the island, the imposing monolith on the top of which stands out like a white dot the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa. indeed, the French traveler of the 18th c., Joseph Piton de Tournefort, he calls it the scariest rock in the world. The Reed (460m) είναι δεύτερος ψηλότερος βράχος στη Μεσόγειο μετά το Γιβραλτάρ και είναι το εντυπωσιακότερο φυσικό αξιοθέατο του νησιού. At the top of Kalamos, to which a path leads from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa is located, where it was built 1715, next to the ruins of a medieval fortress.
According to tradition the icon of the Virgin Mary was found near the monastery hanging on a reed, that is why she was called Kalamiotissa
The path that leads to Ano Panagia of Anafi has its starting point at the foot of Kalamos, in the area where the ruins of the sanctuary of Aiglitis are located (Anafaio) Apollo and the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi (Kato Panagia). After a journey of about an hour and a half in a rough and imposing mountain landscape, pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts arrive in Kalamiotissa, where they enjoy absolute tranquility, the peace of soul and spirit, but also the amazing view of the endless blue of the Aegean.
The Holy Monastery of Kalamiotissa was built around 1600, its katholikon is a single-aisled domed temple of lofty proportions, it has a double-arched neoclassical bell tower and an 18th-century wood-carved temple. It was abandoned in the 19th century, where all his icons were transferred to the church of Zoodochos Pigi, located at the foot of the rock
The universal is saved (single-aisled domed church with a double-arched bell tower, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin) cells and tank. A merchant captain from Oia became the first monk, who was saved by invoking the Virgin Mary and promised to minister to her. After a while his brother went too. They were kept outside Kalamiotissa in two cells, while they built two more and renovated the existing tank. On the wall of a cell, opposite the temple, there was a built-in small plaque with an engraved inscription: "Oiaᾳ tis Thera." 1715 Brothers Monks Agapius and Meletius". Steal it 2003 A.D.
The 1751 A.D., after the patriarchal Sigil of Sophronius from Jerusalem (1774 – 1780 A.D.), the Monastery is declared Patriarchal Crucifixion. His crucifixion rights are renewed the 1798 A.D. από τον πατριάρχη Γρηγόριο Ε’. Remains of medieval fortifications have been identified around the building complex of Kalamiotissa.
In the context of the biggest Anafiot celebration, of the feast of Panagia Kalamiotissa on 7-8 September, the icon of Panagia is transferred from the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi to the top of Kalamos, in the old monastery, where an all-night ceremony follows. The return is the next morning. Το πανηγύρι της Παναγίας είναι πολύ σημαντικό για το νησί οι δε προετοιμασίες ξεκινούν πολλές μέρες πριν.
VIRGINIA THE BISHOP, in Santorini
The Episkopi Church of Thira is a mid-Byzantine church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin and is located south of the village of Mesa Gonia in Santorini. He is also known by the names: Episkopi of Gonia and Panagia the Episkopi.
One of the most remarkable monuments of the Cyclades. The temple was built in the 11th century with imperial sponsorship, by the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos. In its interior, excellent frescoes and a wood-carved iconostasis have been preserved. The temple is cruciform inscribed with a dome, which has received various additions. In the place of the church there used to be a three-aisled Early Christian basilica, parts and sculptures of which were incorporated into the Middle Byzantine building. The most important elements of its interior decoration are its marble iconostasis and its frescoes, the dating of which still divides Byzantine scholars and is placed between the end of the 11th and the end of the 12th century. One of her most important works, the beautiful icon of the Virgin Mary with Christ, in the type of Glykophilousa, flanked by six figures of hierarchs, which is worshiped to this day and with special respect by the faithful. The icon took part in the litanies on the walls of Constantinople and was given to the Episcopal Church in the 11th century. A cemetery from the time of the Venetian rule has been discovered in the forecourt of the church. At 14 August, eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin, is held in the temple of Megas Archieratikos Vesperinos and Artoklasia. Then there is a celebration during which it is customary to share fava beans, beans and wine night. This is followed by a prayer and an all-night pilgrimage of the faithful.
At 15 August, on the day of the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, High Priestly Divine Liturgy is held in the church.
HOLY HORN DRILL, in Thirassia
Photo Mr. Konstantinidis
And the year of Panagia! Celebration also on the island of Thirasia, where Panagia Kera celebrates (Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin), which dominates the southeast end of the island, at Cape Trypiti In Thirassia of History, and Simplicity. The monastery is located on the Trypiti cape and owes its name to a cave, which is located at the base of the rock and is open on both sides. Boats pass through this opening, that is, the Hole, which gave the area its name. Impressive and well-known is the Russian wood-carved iconostasis of the church.
Τα κελιά διατηρούνται σε άριστη κατάσταση και πλέον χρησιμοποιούνται ως τόπος ολιγοήμερης παραθεριστικής διαμονής για τους ντόπιους.
It is one of the oldest monuments of Thirasia, as depicted on the map drawn up by the Russian monk V. Barskij it 1745. Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει το όμορφο ξύλινο τέμπλο της εκκλησίας που χρονολογείται από το 1851.
VIRGIN GREMIOTISSA, in Ios
The church of Panagia Gremiotissa is located at the highest point of Chora in Ios and was built in 1797 A.D. The church owes its name to the rocky location where it is located. According to the tradition in the years of the Turkish occupation, when Crete was groaning under the yoke of the Turks, pious Cretans wanting to save the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, they put her on a raft, άναψαν πάνω ένα καντήλι και την άφησαν να ταξιδέψει στα κύματα του Αιγαίου. The raft traveled to the north of the Aegean seas ending up on the rocks of Mylopotas bay of Ios. Some shepherds noticed the strange light at night and curiously ran near. Με έκσταση αντίκρισαν την εικόνα τη μετέφεραν στο χωριό και την τοποθέτησαν στο ναό του Αγίου Νικολάου, in place of today's Gospel. Μετά από σειρά θαυμάτων αποφάσισαν να φτιάξουν εκκλησία στο όνομά της να βλέπει προς την Κρήτη. According to another version, the Niotes placed the icon in the church of Agios Andreas. But the next day the icon disappeared and the priest went to Mylopotas, that is, in the place where the image was found. Με εκπληξη είδε ότι φύκια είχαν σχηματίσει την Κρήτη. Then they brought the icon back to the village and began to build the church where the Church of the Annunciation is today. They were building in the morning, but at night everything was torn down,what were they doing. This was done continuously and finally they understood that they should build the church in a place facing Crete. So they built the church high up in the Castle.
PANAGYA PANTOHARA, the little church of Elytis in Sikinos
Panagia Pantohara is a chapel built in Sikino, μία από τις τελευταίες επιθυμίες του βραβευμένου με Νόμπελ ποιητή μας Οδυσσέα Ελύτη. In the carved inscription outside the temple, among other things, it says THIS CHURCH IS A DEDICATION OF ODYSSEAS ELYTIS TO VIRGIN PANTOHARAO ODYSSEAS ELYTIS HAD NEVER VISITED THE ISLAND". To reach Panagia Pantochara, one must follow the route from the country of Sikinos to the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The location is unique, emits light ,the beauty and purity of the Cyclades. Μπροστά από το μικρό εκκλησάκι απλώνεται η θάλασσα του Αιγαίου ενώ στο βάθος διακρίνονται η Σίφνος, Antiparos and other Cyclades islands. At the entrance of the church is carved the inscription "Virgin Sikinio Odysseus Elytis ascended". Ο λόγος για τον οποίο το εκκλησάκι αφιερώθηκε στην Παναγία την Παντοχαρά είναι η ιδιαίτερη εντύπωση που έκανε στον ποιητή η εικόνα της Παναγίας Παντοχαράς στα Στροφάδια της Ζακύνθου.
Odysseus Elytis never went to Sikinos, however, he glorifies her through the lines of his poems: "Panagia held the sea/ in her apron/ Sikino held Amorgos/ and the others her children" (I love love), «η Ίος η Σίκινος η Σέριφος η Μήλος/ «Κάθε λέξη κι από ’να χελιδόνι/ για να σου φέρνει την άνοιξη μέσα στο θέρος» είπε»» (It is worth it), «(High while in great depth/ Foaming a Sikinos passes by)» (The little nautilus).
The poet's choice to erect the chapel in Sikinos was not accidental, since he really liked the pronunciation of the island's name, ο ασβέστης, the Greek light, the Aegean. Η Παναγία Παντοχαρά στη Σίκινο είναι σύμβολο των στοιχείων της ελυτικής ποίησης, it is the marriage of the Greek with the Christian element.
VIRGIN OF SLEEPING, in Folegandros
A serpentine path, bordered by whitewashed dry stones that from a distance looks like an exercise in architecture or, for the most romantic, like a magic white belt. It is actually the path that leads to the Monastery of Panagia, perched on a rock above the Land of Folegandros.
The white church of the Assumption of the Virgin from the 19th century, multi-domed basilica with a very tall bell tower, it has amazing views and is associated with dozens of pirate stories and legends. The spot had been chosen as a place of worship since ancient times. So, the church is built on the site of an ancient sanctuary, building material which was used for its construction.
VIRGIN TOURLIAN, in Milos
A small church on the hill above Klima. It is an ideal spot to watch the sun dip into the waters of Adamas Bay at sunset.
VIRGIN CORFIATISSA, in Milos
At the western end of Plaka, on steep rocks was built the 1810 the church of Panagia Korfiatissa. The location is known as "Khalara", while the area in front of the temple as "Marmara", because the temple courtyard is paved with marble tombstones from the old city.
Visiting the Nativity of the Virgin or Panagia Korfiatissa, as the church is mainly known, except that we will enjoy the wonderful view of the sea and the amazing sunset, we will have the opportunity to see relics from the old abandoned churches of the island, icons of Cretan Byzantine art from the churches of Zephyria, relics of saints kept in small silver caskets, the wood carving, gilded iconostasis of the temple, as well as his gilded epitaph 1600 from Panagia Skiniotissa, who is brought from Smyrna.
HOLY GUIDE, in Kimolos
At the southwestern end of the Cyclades, just a breath away from Milos is the wonderful island of Kimolos. The prostate – patroness of Kimolos is Panagia the Guide, together with the local saint of the island, the Holy Method. Ο μεγαλοπρεπής και επιβλητικός Ιερός Μητροπολιτικός και Προσκυνηματικός Ναός της Παναγίας της Οδηγήτριας βρίσκεται στη κορωνίδα των εκκλησιών της Κιμώλου, κτίστηκε μεταξύ των ετών 1867 and 1874 with the personal work of all the inhabitants of the island who, zealously, they worked for this great project on 7 years, uncharitably.
Στο Ναό της Παναγία της Οδηγήτριας είναι ενθρονισμένη η Ιερά Ομώνυμη εικόνα.
Among the many, παλαιών και ωραίων εικόνων στον Ιερό Μητροπολιτικό και Προσκυνηματικό Ναός της Παναγίας της Οδηγήτριας, more beautiful is the icon of the Virgin Mary "Odegetria" whose art goes back to ancient times (15century) and probably comes from Constantinople or mThessaloniki.
The artistic wealth of "Panagia" is impressive and to enjoy it one must devote enough time to it.
The hymn of Orthodoxy, writer and our great hagiographer Fotis Kontoglou devoted a lot of time to the church and to Kimolos (Phi. Kontoglou, Trips, ed. Star, 4th edition 1992) and created two icons on the iconostasis of the "Virgin Mary".: Saint Eugenia and Saint George the Horseman.
The Temple is celebrating 21 November at the Entrances of the Virgin
VIRGIN CHRYSOPIGI, in Sifnos
On the island of the Cyclades with the 370 churches, Sifnos, near Apollonia, the rocky promontory of Hysopigi is located, which is dominated by the homonymous monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi which was built in 1615. In the south-eastern part of Sifnos between Faros and Platis Gialos, the monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi emerges as if from the waters of the Aegean to offer impressive images to its visitors. It is a reference point for the white island, since Panagia Hysopigi is at the same time the Patroness of the island and its protector from the 1964.
Built it 1615 was created to house the miraculous icon of the Zoodochos Pigis that the fishermen of the island retrieved from the sea during the Turkish occupation. The Catholic (temple) it is a basilica with a cylindrical dome and interior walls that form an arch. The floor is paved with marble. It also has a wonderful wood-carved iconostasis. From 1760 is a share of the monastery of Vrysiani, while it owes its name to the monk Parthenos Hairetis, who named it so in memory of Chrysopigi of Chania, which was the monastery where he practiced before coming to Sifnos.
Pure white and with the sunlight giving it more shine, it contrasts with the wild beauty of the rocky landscape around it, giving those who visit it an opportunity for countless photographic moments.
Panagia Chrysopigi is solemnly honored on the day of the Ascension of the Lord, that is 40 days after Easter. On this day there is a great celebration known throughout the Cyclades, where the holy icon of the Virgin comes by ferry with the liner from the port of Kamara and specifically from the house where it was kept for a whole year. The native of Sifnos also lived for a short time in one of the cells of the monastery, ποιητής Αριστομένης Προβελέγγιος και ο στιχουργός Αντώνη Δεκεκαβάλλε.
HOLY CHICKEN, in Sifnos
On the eastern coast of Sifnos and very close to the sea is a small church called Panagia Poulatis. Η πρόσβαση γίνεται μέσω χωματόδρομου που ξεκινά από τις παρυφές του Αρτεμώνα και φτάνει μπροστά από την εκκλησία και πάνω στο κύμα. With a view of the endless blue of the Aegean, between the rocks, pure white with a blue dome and towering bell tower. Η ομορφιά της είναι ανεπανάληπτη. The imposing bell towers testify to its magnificent architecture. The paved aulogyros is also of particular interest, leading to the arcades, the tombs and cells and completes the picture.
Panagia Poulati was built in 1871 and par’ that it is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin, celebrates the fifteenth of August.
VIRGIN OR VIRGIN WOOD, in Serifos
The 11th century church of Panagia gave its name to the village of Panagia located in the center of Serifos and is amphitheatrically built on a hill and around the church. The church of Panagia or Xylopanagia as it is called by the locals, is the oldest and most important church of Serifos. Her celebration takes place on 15 August and is one of the biggest events of the island. The Xylopanagia festival takes place around the old olive tree in the square. The name Xylopanagia comes from a custom at her festival, and indeed from the "fights" with wooden rods between men to conquer the most beautiful woman. According to tradition, whichever couple danced first around the olive tree in front of the church would be married in time. Today the custom has stopped but the festival is one of the most important on the island and almost all the inhabitants of the island gather here for a three-day feast and dance.
VIRGIN KASTRIANI in Kea - Tzia
The Monastery of Panagia Kastriani, who is also the patron saint of the island, is located in close proximity to the beach of Otzias, on the north-eastern side of the island in Kastri, in 12 km. from the Country. The Monastery of Panagia Kastriani, built on a rock, is located at the spot where the icon of the Virgin Mary was found.
The monastery, is considered one of the most important of the island, and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. In the monastery area they are distinguished 2 temples, the old one (of 1800) and the youngest (of 1910), two-story building (guesthouses for visitors), cells and auxiliary spaces, while, local dishes are served in the dining room.
The high bell tower dominates the entrance of the complex, in blue-white shade, and double spire.
The central church is a basilica type with a dome and has a white iconostasis inside and a mosaic with rhomboid decoration. According to local tradition, Panagia herself indicated her pilgrimage site on the imposing Kastri hill. On the steep rock, it was found 1700 her image buried in the earth, by shepherds who noticed at night a glow on the top of the hill. They approached and digging found the holy icon of the Dormition of the Virgin.
Attempts to build a small church not where they found the icon but a little further away ,they had no effect as every morning they saw the foundations and everything,what they had built – as if by a miracle – had been torn down and their tools placed where the image was found.
The 1708 they built a small church there, where the miraculous icon is kept to this day, while the 1910 a large temple was built above it to accommodate the multitude of believers who arrive to worship her grace. The icons of the iconostasis were made by Antonios Skordilis 1708.
Panagia is honored several times a year, Especially, Nevertheless, on the fifteenth of August.
Finally we reach the capital of the Cyclades, the enchanting Syros with the 2.500 preserved houses. There we will visit two churches belonging to the Catholic church.
VIRGIN OF CARMELOU, in Syros
Panagia Karmilou in Ano Syros dates back to approx 1640, as written on the main entrance door. It was rebuilt 1824 under the supervision of the Tinian craftsman Hatzis Simos and has a marble face. The interior decoration of the church creates a unique setting that is worth discovering.
THE HOLY EPISCOPIANI (or Episcopalian)
Episkopiani is built just outside the Episkopeio settlement, a short distance west of Ermoupolis. It was a vacation spot for the bishop since the 16th century. Σύμφωνα με την παράδοση η Παναγία η Επισκοπιανή πρέπει να υπήρξε η πρώτη καθολική μητρόπολη του νησιού. According to his testimony 1631 and his 1700 the church formerly honored in the name of Panagia Protothrono. Some scholars state that it was built in the 10th - 11th century, while the was reconstructed 1652. It has a cruciform shape with a dome. Panagia Episkopiani is also credited with the salvation from the plague epidemic that broke out on the island in 1728. On the floor of Panagia Episkopiani there are five tombstones of gray and white marble, με ανάγλυφο διάκοσμο, dates from the second half of the 19th century and inscriptions in the Italian language. The tombs in question all belong to the Bottaro family, a well-known family of Italian doctors who attended in a house near the church.
VIRGIN THE YOUNG GIRL, in Syros
The Eminence. Dorotheos II, deeply moved and strongly impressed by the massive participation of NEORIOS employees at its opening, within the Shipyard area, of the Holy Chapel of the Entrances of the Theotokos, made the following statement:
"From today, the shipyard of Neorio, its managers and workers have been placed under the protection of the Virgin Mary! In the thousands of Theotokonymia, that our people and our tradition have attributed to the Virgin Mary, we add one more, that of Panagia "Neoritissa", which will be attributed to the newly built Chapel with our special Metropolitan Act!»
From the Holy Metropolis
Ermoupolis, 5 December 2021
(Some of them were published on 2013 in the magazine "The View")
How blessed and happy we are to be born in this place, our Greece!!
