ΤΕΛΕΝΔΟΣ:Η ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΤΕΛΕΝΤΟΥ
ΨΕΡΙΜΟΣ: ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ Η ΜΕΛΑΧΡΟΙΝΗ
ΚΑΛΥΜΝΟΣ: ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ Η ΧΑΡΙΤΩΜΕΝΗ
Σήμερα σώζονται, στα αρχικά τους εμφανή σημεία, σε άριστη κατάσταση.
ΛΕΡΟΣ: ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΚΑΣΤΡΟΥ
ΝΙΣΥΡΟΣ: ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ Η ΣΠΗΛΙΑΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ ΚΥΡΑ
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| τα κόλυβα της Παναγίας στο Ζωσιμοπούλειο |
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| Στο τραπέζι της Παναγιάς στο Ζωσιμοπούλειο |
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| Πανηγύρι στην Παναγιά Κυρά |
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| Κάτω Κοίμηση |
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| το μονοπάτι που οδηγεί στην Πάνω Κοίμηση και η Κάτω Κοίμηση από ψηλά |
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| η Πάνω Κοίμηση |
The Virgin Mary Celebrations of August 15th in the Dodecanese
There are countless churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary that celebrate the Assumption on August 15th—and I certainly haven’t visited them all (yet). Or perhaps I have, without realizing that they are dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and therefore also celebrate on that day. What’s certain, however, is that they draw pilgrims in great numbers, filling the boats that sail toward the islands, eager to venerate Panagia Spiliani in Nisyros, Panagia Melachroini in Pserimos, and Panagia of Telendos.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the Dodecanese is truly unique, with festivals held on every island and in every village. Most of them have their own traditions, passed down through generations, making each celebration special.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
Telendos – Panagia of Telendos
The parish church of Panagia in Telendos (known as Panagia of Telendos) was built and decorated thanks to donations from sailors in the early 20th century.
Pserimos – Panagia Melachroini
On the island of Pserimos, the church of Panagia Melachroini—so named by the locals because of the dark hues of its Russian-style icon—becomes the heart of the celebration. Small boats bring visitors from Kalymnos, Kos, and Nisyros, all seeking the Virgin’s blessing. The bells ring joyfully during the procession of the Epitaphios of theVirgin Mary. It is deeply moving to watch clergy and laypeople, locals and tourists alike, walking together in the litany through the streets, alleys, and even along the sandy shore at the edge of the sea.
Kalymnos – Panagia Charitomeni
The church of Panagia Charitomeni (1794), with its impressive gilded wooden iconostasis, is located in Chora, the island’s first capital. The church has a fascinating history connected to the discovery of the old icon of the Virgin that now graces its walls. When it was built, materials such as columns, capitals, inscriptions, reliefs, and stone blocks were taken from the ancient sanctuary of Delian Apollo. Many of these elements remain in excellent condition today.
Leros – Panagia of the Castle
On Leros, Panagia of the Castle takes center stage on August 15th. Thousands of pilgrims climb the hundreds of steps leading to the holy icon, while also enjoying the breathtaking view, with the whole island unfolding “at Her feet.”
Nisyros – Panagia Spiliani & Panagia Kyra
Panagia Spiliani: One of the most famous monasteries in the Dodecanese, Panagia Spiliani in Nisyros attracts crowds from all the surrounding islands. According to tradition, the so-called “Enniameritisses” arrive nine days before the feast to take part in a unique ritual that culminates on the 15th. On the eve of the feast, chickpeas and potatoes are served to visitors, while on the day itself, meat and potatoes are prepared for the festive gathering in the schoolyard beneath the church.
Panagia Kyra: About two kilometers from the village of Nikia lies this all-white monastery, built in 1745 and dedicated to the Assumption. A large festival takes place here on the eve of the feast.
Leipsoi – Kato Koimisi & Pano Koimisi
In Leipsoi, it is worth visiting both Kato Panagia (1770) and Pano Panagia (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built around 1500). The two are connected by the “Path of the Assumption,” a 900-meter cobbled walkway. The lower church is nestled in greenery by a small harbor, next to a spring with fresh water. Built in the 16th century, it is surrounded by rock niches that still hold the bones of monks who lived and died there during Ottoman rule. The entire route makes for a wonderful hike.
Kos
Kos alone has nine churches dedicated to the Assumption, all of which celebrate on August 15th. (There’s a separate post about them: The Churches of the Virgin Mary that Celebrate the Assumption on Kos).
Kasos – Panagia “Pera Panagia” in the Village of Panagia
The heart of the celebration in Kasos is the impressive church of the Assumption in the village of Panagia, also known as Pera Panagia. Its history goes back about 120 years. In 1895, three small chapels—the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Holy Cross, and St. Kassiani—were torn down to make way for the larger church that would serve the growing community. Construction was completed in 1902, using high-quality materials imported from Marseille and carefully cut “diamond-hard” stones, each said to have cost a gold coin at the time.
The churchyard still holds a sarcophagus believed to belong to St. Kassiani, whose feast is celebrated on September 7th. Although tradition says her relics were once kept there, they were stolen long ago by passing sailors. Today, countless golden votives and gifts make Pera Panagia one of the wealthiest churches on the island.
Karpathos – Panagia “Sellagiotissa,” Olympos
And finally, perhaps the most spectacular celebration of all: the Virgin of Olympos in Karpathos. Every August 15th, the village comes alive with vibrant, multicolored traditional costumes. The festivities last from morning until the next day, creating an atmosphere so unique that it is almost impossible to describe—and unforgettable once experienced.
The cathedral of Olympos, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, stands at the center of the village, in the Sellai quarter, which is why it is also called Sellagiotissa. Though damaged by fire—which destroyed most of its frescoes—the church has been partially restored. Interestingly, it has two entrances: the central door for the men of the village, and another side entrance through which the women enter, sitting on a separate side of the church that was added later.
http://www.lipsi.gov.gr/el/ekklisies_ksoklisia
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