Religion in Karpathos
Karpathos boasts many local traditions and is particularly renowned for its fetes. In the past, fetes as well as wedding and christening ceremonies took place to the accompaniment of improvised musical couplets. Traditional instruments such as the lyre, the bagpipe and the lute were used for this purpose. The most known fetes are those that are organized at Pigadia, on the day of the feast of the Annunciation and during the Carnival period. On 10 August, the locals can enjoy a festive atmosphere at Chrissovalandou Monastery in Olympos. On 15 August, celebrations are organized everywhere on the island, in the villages of Aperi, Diafani, Menetes and Olympos. Panaghia (the Virgin) Messochoritissa is commemorated in Messochori on 8 September.
The wedding ceremonies of Karpathos have a special character. The preparations last for weeks. It is worth noting that all the inhabitants of Olympos participate in the three-day nuptial rites. Religious feasts and Easter in particular constitute a good occasion for the revival of customs. The local women wear multi-coloured clothes decorated with flashy kerchiefs and a double set of gold coins. Monasteries and Churches
At Pigadia, it is worth visiting the remains of the church of Saint Photini, an early christian basilica dating from the times between the 5th and 6th centuries AC, at a location known as "Aphoti", on the coast. Amongst the many interesting findings unearthed by archaeologists, there is a marble, Corinthian style column capital and a marble tomb stele confirming estimates that the basilica stood on the site of what had in even older times been a shrine dedicated to the Dioscouri.
The Church of Aghia Kyriaki, at 2.5 km SW. Beautiful church built on a rock and offering some breathtaking views.
At Aperi, the church of Aghios Gheorghios (St. George), at a location known as 'Vatses'.
The church of Kyra Panaghia (Virgin Mary), situated on a site of rare scenic beauty, overlooking the sea, within the settlement bearing the same name.
At Diafani: the churches of Aghios Nikolao, Zoodohos Pigi and Aghios Vassilios, their cupolas typically set in red ceramic tiles in the Byzantine style.
At Lefkos: the church of Aghios Georghios, dating from the 13th century; remains of interesting - though largely faded - frescos.
At Menetes: The church of Kimissis tis Theotokou (The Dormition), built in the 19th century, by far Karpathos' most celebrated church. Some of the pillars used for the construction of this church were taken from the early christian basilica of Aghia Anastasia, in Arkasa.
Also worth visiting are the small churches of Aghios Mamas and Aghios Antonios, with some interesting frescos.
At Mesochori: the church of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos (St. John the Baptist), featuring frescos from 1781 and a wood-sculpted icon screen.
The Church of Panaghia Vryssiani: featuring a cross-form cupola and a lace-like ornamented belfry in front.
Vestiges of the Byzantine Church of Aghia Irene, featuring some interesting although weather-battered frescos. Six to seven steps down will bring you to the sanctuary, the sole part of the church still standing, the rest of the church being buried under the sands. Access: by boat. .
At the village of Othos: the church of the Dormition (17th century)
At Olympos: church of the Virgin Mary (16th century), featuring a wood-sculpted icon screen and beautiful frescos.
The churches of Chryssovalantou, Aghios Onouprhios and Aghia Triada (Trinity).
The church of Aghios Ioannis at an 1 ½ hour's walk from the village of Avlona. This site of rare scenic beauty is truly worth the walking.
At Marmara, near the village of Arkassa, the early christian basilica of Aghia Sofia, once referred to as the church of Aghia Anastassia.
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