Celebrating the Dormition of the Virgin Mary – Το Πάσχα του καλοκαιριού
August 15th is the biggest religious celebration of the summer. The figure of the Virgin Mary is the favorite figure of every Greek. A church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is not missing from any corner of the Greek territory.
Have you ever visited a church of Virgin Mary while you are in Greece?
Panagia of Tinos – The church of Evaggelistria
The Church of Evaggelistria was built on the site where the miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered. Specifically, Virgin Mary apppeared in the dreams of the humble Nun, Saint Pelagia, revealing her purposes, regarding the icon.
The Church of Panagia remains one major shrine in Greece. During Dekapentagoustos (15th August), thousand Greek Orthodox and tourists go to the Church of Evaggelistria to pray, attend the ceremonies and take part in the procession of the Holy Icon.
If you have not yet visited the church, go! The major feast is 15th August, the day of the Virgin Mary Dormition.
The church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani in Paros – Η Παναγία η Εκατονταπυλιανή της Πάρου
The church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani is located in the port of Paroikia of Paros. It is a major attraction for thousands of pilgrims. The impressive church was found by Saint Eleni, the mother of Saint Konstantinos, and it remains a landmark of Paros. According to the legend, the church has 99 gates. The hundredth door will only reveal itself when the Saint Sophia in Constantinople becomes an Orthodox church again. The word ekato in Greek written as “εκατό” means one hundred.
The major feast of the summer takes place 15th August in Paros. The litany of the Holy Icon fills all the participants with religious emotion. After the procession of the Epitaph of the Virgin Mary, a traditional festival follows with music, dancing and plenty of local wine.
Panagia Tourliani in Mykonos – Η Παναγία η Τουρλιανή της Μυκόνου
The miraculous icon of Panagia Tourliani was found floating in the sea in the neighbouring region of Tourlos area, in the island of Mykonos. From that point onward, Panagia Tourliani is celebrated as the patroness of Mykonos on August 15th. The icon of Virgin Mary is believed to be sacred. Panagia Tourliani is in the Monastery of Tourlos. The Monastery is located 8km from Mykonos Town in a region called Ano Mera.
Panagia Kolokynthous in Athens – Η Παναγία της Κολοκυνθούς στην Αθήνα
According to tradition, the icon of the Virgin Mary was found around the 12th century and immediately gained a reputation of a miraculous icon. “Kolokynthos” is the surname of a family that gave its name to the church and the area. Over the centuries, Panagia Kolokynthous was considered the protector of the city. Vingin Mary icon communicated with faithful people through healings and miracles. Hundreds of Athenians, as well as visitors from other regions, flock to the church to worship the icon and ask for the help and protection of the Virgin Mary.
August 15th, the official day of the celebration of the Virgin Mary, the procession of the icon takes places around the region of the church. The pilgrims express their grace to Panagia by participating to the procession while listening to the hymns.
Λεξιλόγιο – Vocabulary
1/ η εικόνα = icon
2/ ιερός ναός = shrine
3/ η προστασία = protection
4/ προσκυνάω – προσκυνώ = to worship
