Religious Tourism: Monastery of Archangel Michael in Panormitis on Symi island

November 8 is the largest religious celebration on the Greek island of Symi - the Feast day of the Monastery of Archangel Michael in Panormitis, which attracts visitors from all over Greece and the world. Panormitis is a holy monastery visited daily by many Greeks and non-Greeks who pray here for health, protection and fertility and is renowned for many miracles.

The monastery of Panormitis is 10 km southwest of Symi, and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It is believed to have been constructed during the years of the Turkish domination and has been reconstructed several times but it’s most important restoration was, done by Anastasis Karnavas between 1777 and 1873. Inside the monastery, are many paintings created by the local artists Nikitas and Michailos Karakostis- a carved screen that bears the image of the Archangel, and many votive offerings.

The 18th-century monastery is situated on the seafront of the village and it can be seen from the ferries that usually deck on the mentioned harbour, offering one of the best sights. It is protected by an inlet that leads to a wide harbour and a small beach with fine sand that is usually empty. The Venetian style monastery has great artifacts, such as antique chandeliers, and an impressive silver icon of the Archangel, which is the Patron Saint of the island, as well as the protector of sailors.

Its vestry contains sacerdotal vestments, silver work, jewellery, icons and offerings. The tradition has it that sailors placed these vestments in bottles, which they washed up onshore. Once visiting the Monastery, you will also see the chalice, ornate gospel, embossed and gold-plated epitaph, and a reliquary. The library of the monastery features rare books and hand-written codices, most of them being donations by believers.

Outside the monastery, is its celebrated bell, made in Russia at captain Trekas expense, and the watch donated by the Simian sponge trader Faraklis. The locals call Panormitis a thief because, according to legend, if a vow is not being redeemed, “he takes it back himself.”

At its festival, celebrated on the 8th of November and at Pentecost, the area is swarming with pilgrims from all across Greece. The visitors can stop overnight in its guesthouse, which can accommodate 500 people. Only a few kilometers from the monastery, you can also visit the site of Faneromeni and the islet Seskli, opposite Panormitis, with the Pelasgian fortification walls.

On the feast day crowds of pilgrims flock to the monastery on the southern point of the island. This is an occasion for family reunions and countless Symiots who work in Rhodes, Athens and other regions and come to visit their families.

On the eve of the festival the bishop conducts vespers. On the following day of the feast, Mass is conducted by the bishop and the icon of Panormitis is carried in procession. Clerics and church-goers carry the icon through the large courtyard to the waterfront, through the grove and to the graveyard.

Today, a great number of mostly Greek and also non-Greek travellers arrive in the island to enjoy this local festivity. Many pilgrims who come here during this period, are offered free accommodation, food and wine. The inner courtyards of the monastery have many exotic plants and trees providing a warm and pleasant environment for visitors. There is also a sanctuary, ideal for those seeking for some solitude. Ferries and excursion boats connect Symi town with Panormitis. It is also accessed with a car. The small village of Panormitis provides a great sense of peace and a visit to the great Archangel Michael monastery is soothing to the soul.

Tama (favour) to Archangel Michael 

According to tradition, if someone asks a favour of the Archangel they must vow to give something in exchange. If the offering (tama) is not made the Archangel will find a way to take it.

One famous miracle that still frequently occurs today is the miracle of the Archangel preventing boats from leaving the dock. This is such a frequent occurrence that captains announce over the PA asking whoever has forgotten a promise to the Archangel to get off and leave their tama. Once this promise is fulfilled only then do the boat’s engines function.

Consequently, the interior of the Monastery is covered in thousands upon thousands of tamata left by pilgrims, both local and overseas, including model ships made from gold and silver.

Messages in a bottle

Another tradition are the bottles with prayers inside. This originated from Greek sailors, who would cast these into the sea and would end up on the shoreline of the monastery.

Nowadays, many believers around the world still practice this tradition. The Monastery has put many of these messages on display in the museum.

Broom offering

A local custom of the Dodecannese is to offer a traditional broom made of straw or reed. Church tradition has passed down that monks from the Monastery would hear the Archangel sweeping his Monastery at night with these broom offerings.

According to local tradition, many people who gave these offerings have been visited by the Archangel in their sleep.

The icon

The icon appeared miraculous and on several occasions was removed only to reappear in the same place.

The Monastery

The Monastery is a very popular place of pilgrimage. It includes two museums which house a large collection of ecclesiastical art, icons, ship model offerings and important objects of the island’s folk culture. The Monastery’s dorm-house can accommodate up to 500 people and allows entire families to stay.

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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Vadim Indeikin License: CC-BY-SA