 Location |
|
Skopolos is one of the largest islands found in the Northern Sporades. It lies between Alonisoss and Skiathos. This island extends 13 miles length by 5 miles width, and it covers 96 sq km.
|
 Population |
|
According to the last census in 2001, the island has 4.727 inhabitants. (2.355 female and 2.372 male)
|
 History |
|
Skopelos has yielded an exciting archaeological find. In ancient times the island was an important Minoan outpost ruled by staphylos, who, according to mythology, was the son of Ariadue and Dionysos. Staphylos means gape in Greek and Minoan ruler is said to have introduced vine making to the island. In the 1930s a tomb containing gold treasures and believed to be that of staphylos, was anent heel at staphylos, now a resort. Skopelos Town has retained much of its whitewashed traditional appearance despite being badly damaged in the 1965 earthquake.
|
 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.
Skopelos contains about 360 churches, chapels, monasteries and convents. The chief town alone has 123.
|
|
 Saints |
|
Most of the saints are honored on this island and the Orthodox Church is highly respected.
The island’s Patron saint is Agios Riginos.
|
 Prayer |
|
-That the outreach will enable the gospel of salvation to be shared
That the people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God.
That God will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
|
 Miscellaneous |
|
• Skopelos is famed for its prunes, while the Glossa region produces almonds.
• The nuns of the various convents produce loom, mover textiles, skirts and blouses.
|
 Celebrations |
|
The celebrations on the islands usually revolve around the Saints, and there is a big celebration at Easter in the Orthodox Church.
- Aug. 6th is transfiguration day
- February 25th is the day of feasting for the islands Patron saint, Agios Riginos.
|
 Resources |
|
www.greektravel.com
www.in2greece.com
http://skopelos.net/
http://www.skopelos.net/photos/
http://www.islandstrolling.com/islands/sporades/skopelos/english/skopelos.htm
www.harrys-60-greek-islands-guide.com
www.worldtravelgate.org
|
