|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 Location |
|
Patmos is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, between the islands of Ikaria and Leros. It is 163 nautical miles away from the port of Piraeus. It covers 34.6 sq. km and its coastline is 63 km long.
|
 Population |
|
The approximately 2,800 inhabitants of Patmos live in Hora, Skala and smaller settlements on the island. The locals are considered to be the most hospitable of all the Dodecanesians. They are occupied mainly with fishing, farming, livestock breeding and only a few are engaged with tourism.
|
 History |
|
-Mythology: Patmos was also known as Letoisse, as it was the island of Artemis (Diana), daughter of Leto after whom the island was named. According to other myths though, the island took its name by Poseidon (Neptune) when he stepped on it (step=patima), thus the island was called at first "Patnos" and later "Patmos".
-History: In antiquity, the Mycenaeans were considered to be the island's early inhabitants, while modern historians claim that Patmos' first inhabitants were Kares, Legeges and Pelasgi. During the Roman era, it was the land of exile for Romans who were politically disgraced. This is also the place, where the Apostle John was exiled by the emperor Domitian, and where he wrote the book of Revelation in the today's famous cave.
The island suffered a long period of desertion until 1088, when it was offered to St. Christodoulos by the Emperor Alexios Komnenos I, so that the former could build St. John's monastery. After the fall of Constantinople many Christians sought refuge here. In 16th century it was occupied by the Venetians. The Turkish occupation began in 1537 and lasted until 1912, when the island came under the command of the Italians. Patmos was united with Greece on May 7th 1948, like the rest of all Dodecanese.
|
 Religion |
|
This topic is not island-specific. It applies to the nation of Greece.
Orthodox Christianity is the recognized dominant religion of Greece and it is legally protected by the state. This has caused legal discrimination against non-Orthodox Churches, and although the constitution of 1975 removed the power of most of the old laws against Protestants, problems still exist today. There is a lot of fear towards anything outside of the Orthodox Church, especially on the islands. However, repeated rulings of the European Court of Justice in favour of religious minorities in cases of discrimination have led to a relative increase of the freedoms that these religious minorities now enjoy.
Ancient Gods
Artemis and Apollo were the main deities worshipped on the island.
|
|
 Saints |
|
St. John the Divine (Agios Ioannis o Theologos) is the main saint honored in Patmos (May 8 and September 26). Other important saints who are celebrated through the year include St. Christodoulos (March 16), Saints Anargyroi (July 1), Prophet Elijah (July 20), and, of course, Virgin Mary, (August 15).
|
 Prayer |
|
* More Christian workers
* Salvation & Spiritual awareness
|
 Miscellaneous |
|
Some places of historic interest in Patmos include:
* The cave where St. John had his vision of the Apocalypse (Revelation).
* The monastery-fortress of Saint John, which is an attraction for the Christian world. In its museum one could see priceless ecclesiastical treasures as well as some rare ancient parchment manuscripts.
* The famous Patmian School, established in 1713; it now serves as a school for priests.
* The house of Emmanuel Xanthos, a key figure of the Greek war of independence from Turkey.
|
 Celebrations |
|
In Hora, the capital town, there are some special customs observed during the Holy Week before Easter. On Thursday there is a re-enactment of the Last Supper. Twelve monks represent Christ's disciples and the priest washes their feet. On Good Friday there is a re-enactment of the un-nailing of Jesus' body from the cross at St. John's monastery. In Skala, the port, the city authorities offer a free meal to visitors on the second day of Easter.
|
 Resources |
|
www.greektravel.com
www.in2greece.com
www.areianet.gr/infoxenios/
http://www.dilos.com/region/dodecan/patmos.html
http://www.12net.gr/patmos/english/
http://agn.hol.gr/page.asp?target=http://agn.hol.gr/hellas/dodecan/patmos.asp&sec=3
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
