A place of spiritual significance, the Cave of the Apocalypse lies between Patmos Port in Skala and Chora. Up on the hill, a small cave means so much for Christianity that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. This is where Saint John (or Agios Ioannis) heard God speak to him. The voice …
Almost 270 meters in altitude separate Profitis Ilias in Patmos from sea level. This is the highest peak of the island and the place where travelers find the perfect observatory. The view from up there is breathtaking! The Aegean unfolds with its azure waters and the magnificent Chora feels like home. A home made of …
Once you step on the island of Patmos, you are swept away by the aura of sacred bliss all around you. It is the island where the Apocalypse was written, perhaps the most intense book of Christianity. And in the middle of the island stands an entire castle, guarding the Monastery of Saint John. An …
UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Their work is of indisputable importance, since it comes with great responsibility. They evaluate sites worldwide and they identify those that mean a lot to humanity. As a result, they deem the sites valuable and require protection. International treaties ensure that UNESCO World Heritage Sites …
On January 1st, there is a special tradition that has survived through the centuries in Greece. At each home, families gather and cut the vasilopita. This is a pie made of flour, milk, eggs and sugar. In some cases, the pie looks exactly like tsoureki (brioche) and in some other occasions it resembles a cake. …
In Greece, Christmas is celebrated in all its glory. Every part of the country boasts a plethora of traditions and special customs that have survived over the centuries. If you want to be part of this long-lasting celebration, check out the most popular Greek Christmas traditions and customs. And then choose where you are going …
In the city of Trikala lies one of the famous examples of Ottoman architecture in Greece. Koursoum Mosque or Osman Shah Mosque is a prominent historic monument of mainland Greece, surviving to this day. It is still unknown when the mosque was built. It has been estimated somewhere between 1550 and 1560. The mosque is …
One of the major archaeological attractions on the island of Milos is definitely Milos Catacombs. A distinct religious landmark for the Christians, built around the 1st century AD. This is supposedly when Christianity first appeared in the area. As you can imagine, the catacombs are placed underground. There are caves carved on the volcanic rocks, …
Have you ever been to Skiathos? Then you cannot have missed the emblematic Panagia Limnia Church. Its impressive bell tower stands tall. So it is visible from the entire city of Skiathos. You can see the church from the old harbor, overlooking the Aegean. Panagia Limnia Panagia Limnia was built around 1800 AD. So it …
With the transfer of the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire to Constantinople (330 AD), the dominance of Christianity (4th c. AD), and the graduation Hellenizing of the Eastern Roman state, the Roman colony of Philippi regained its character as a Greek city. With the change of religion, the large public buildings, which had been …
Four impressive three-aisled basilicas with narthex have been erected at the archaeological site of Philippi, coming from the Early Christian Period. Basilica A On a level above the Kavala – Drama road and the marketplace of Philipi (west of the theater) has been traced the biggest early christian church of Philipi, called Basilica A. It …
The Orthodox religion takes an important role in the Greek culture and its presence on the island of Mykonos is without exception. If when the name Mykonos comes to mind, you think about endless parties, then you miss an important part of the religious tradition of the island. Spreading all over the island with the …
Panagia Paraportiani The chapel of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani is one of the most famous churches of Mykonos, located in the town of Chora, in the neighborhood of Kastro. Its name literally means “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek, as it is positioned near the main harbor entrance in the side gate of …
Greek Easter hymns are among the most beloved, spiritual and esoteric hymns of the Orthodox Church Liturgies. To the Greek Orthodox Christians the Holy Week centers on the hymns and the Church. The hymns from the Eastern Orthodox Church were most written during the height of the Byzantine Empire, originally composed in Koine Greek. About …
Each day during Holy Week has a special meaning, and understanding what each day represents can help making attending all those church services a lot more meaningful! It is really worthwhile to go to the church and watch the services being able to feel the unique spiritual atmosphere Greek Orthodox Church offers. Here is an …
The celebration of Easter in Patmos is certainly a unique life experience. Mainly because of the Holy Monastery of Saint John the theologian in Chora (a UNESCO world heritage site), which is a reference point for the whole Greece and Orthodox Christianity. The island is often called the «Jerusalem of the Mediterranean», due to the …
Easter is the most important religious holiday of the Orthodox Church marking the resurrection of Christ and the chance of rebirth for mankind. Falling always on a different date, Easter signals the end of the cold days of winter and the beginning of the sunny and warm days of summer. Easter celebrations hold also a …
The “burning of Judas” is a unique tradition which revives in areas of Greece every Easter, attracting crowds of people who want to admire the “punishment” of the avarice traitor. Nowadays, this tradition can express a strong need for shaking off any kind of betrayal. The “Judas Iscariot” who betrayed Jesus for “thirty pieces of …
The large number of historic churches and monasteries in the Municipality of Monemvasia bears witness to the region’s long religious tradition. These places of worship attract many pilgrims and other visitors every year. They are also favorite sites for marriages and baptism both among locals and others from further afield. In Monemvasia’s fortress are the …
One of the biggest celebrations of Orthodoxy is August 15, the day of the Assumption. The Virgin Mary has been given many names in Orthodoxy, depending on the way she was iconographed, the theological status, the age of the icon, the way the icon was found, and the place of origin of the icon. There …
