Patmos is, without a doubt, one of the most blessed and solemn places in the country. From the right first moment that you will step your foot on the port, you realize the profoundly religious character of the island, along with the strong energy vibes that you feel entering into your body and soul. There’s a reason why they call it the Jerusalem of the Aegean. The Cave of the Apocalypse, the Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian, and the traditional village in Chora have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You are in Patmos, let yourself embrace the energy and discover its blessed secrets.
Holy Cave of the Apocalypse
First stop, the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world are streaming at the hill between Skala (settlement around the port) and Chora, in order to step on the lands where back in 95aC, Evangelist John, exiled by the Emperor Domitianos, heard the voice of God and then, he wrote down the Holy Book of Revelation. As a matter of fact, John mentions that he reached Patmos being an exile on a “spiritual mission”, accompanied by his faithful disciple, Prochoros. Today, the Cave of the Apocalypse forms a place of worship, a pole of attraction for thousands of Christians, who arrive there in order to visit the place where the Revelation took place, as well as to touch the holy rock. In other words, to follow the Evangelist’s path for a few moments and feel the majesty of the site through prayer and solemnity.
Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian
You will find it near the Cave, at the top of the hill where Orthodox and Catholic Christians claim that this is where the book of Revelation and Gospel was written. It is an orthodox monastery, the most significant in the Aegean Sea, built in 1088aC. Its structure reminds of a byzantine castle while the entire Chora has been built around the monastery as it was used as a shelter, in case of pirates’ attacks.
Holy Annunciation Monastery
In the southwestern part of the island, in the area of Kipi, you can visit the largest women, communal monastery on the island, where approximately 40 nuns live. The hermitage was built together with a church in 1613 by Abbot Nikiforos Chartofylax. It is dedicated to Saint Luke who had cured him of a deadly disease. The Monastery houses icons and murals dating from the 15th to 17th century. Many icons formwork of nun Olympia who was a student of the hagiographer, Fotis Kontoglou. Today, the nuns, apart from their charity work, are mainly occupied with the patmian stitch as well as gardening and beekeeping.
Holy Church of Panagia Diasozousa
The Holy Church of Panagia Diasozousa set in Chora was built by a family of Patmos around 1500aC and renovated by 1599aC. Until 1907 It was a private church and later on, it was ceded to the Great Monastery. It was named Diasozousa, thanks to the miraculous icon of Panagia as plenty of miracles have been recorded. The day before August 15th, a procession of the epitaph of Panagia takes place.
Holy Monastery Zoodochos Pigi
It is found in Chora and dates back to 1607. Founded by the Abbot Parthenios Pagkostas, it was destined to become a shelter for widows, orphans, and disabled people.
In the internal part of the church, you will see murals from the 16th to 18th century as well as the miraculous icon of Panagia Eleousa with the first miracle being recorded in 1956. At the Monastery, since 2007, there is a museum with sacred vessels of the monastery.
Blue vista Patmos is the ideal starting point for your religious explorations
Whether you are in Patmos alone or form part of a pilgrims group, Blue Vista Patmos is the ideal choice while you are staying on the island. Except for the exceptional facilities that will make you feel like home, the owners – who are professional tour guides – can arrange a private tour for you, upon request, at the place of worship that you wish to visit and also, initiate you to its history and dynamics. There is no better way to feel connected and become one with the mystic atmosphere of the island.
