Religion in Karpathos

Karpathos boasts many local traditions and is particularly renowned for its celebrations. In the past, celebrations after such events as wedding and christening ceremonies took place with the accompaniment of improvised musical couplets. Traditional instruments such as the lyre, the bagpipe and the lute were almost always used for this purpose.

The most common celebrations are those that are organized on the day of the Annunciation of the Theotokos on March 25th, which is also Greek Independence Day, and during the Carnival period before the lent of Orthodox Easter.

On August 15th, the day of the Dormision of the Theotokos celebrations are organized in the villages of Aperi, Menetes Piles and Olympos. On 10 August, the locals can enjoy a festive atmosphere at Chrissovalandou Monastery in Olympos. Panaghia Messochoritissa (The Nativity of the Theotokos) is commemorated in Messochori and Volada on September 8th.

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-colored costumes decorated with flashy kerchiefs and necklaces made of sets of gold coins.

Monasteries and Churches

In Pigadia, it is worth visiting the remains of the church of Saint Fotini, an early Christian basilica dating from the times between the 5th and 6th centuries, at a location known as "Afoti", on the coast. Amongst the many interesting findings unearthed by archaeologists, there is a marble, Corinthian style column capital and a marble tomb confirming to 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, about 2.5 km SE of Pigadia. A beautiful church built on a rock and offering some breathtaking views. Please view below.

Near Aperi, the church of Agios Georgios (St. George), is located at the area known as 'Vatses'. Please view below.

The church of Kyra Panaghia (Apodosis of the Dormition of the Theotokos), situated near the village of Aperi on a scenic cliff overlooking the sea, within the settlement bearing the same name. Please view below.

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 Georgios, dating from the 13th century; remains of interesting - though largely faded - frescos.

At Menetes: The church of The Dormition of the Theotokos, 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. Please view below.

Also worth visiting are the small churches of Aghios Mamas and Aghios Antonios, with some interesting frescos. Please view below.

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 of the Theotokos dates back from the 17th century. Please view below.

At Olympos, the church of the Dormition of the Theotokos dates back to the 16th century, featuring a wood-sculpted icon screen and beautiful frescos. The churches of Chryssovalantou, Aghios Onouprhios and Aghia Triada (Trinity) also founf in Olymois.

The church of Aghios Ioannis at an 1 ½ hour's walk from Avlona near the village of Olympos. This site of rare scenic beauty is truly worth the walking. Please view below.

At Marmara, near the village of Arkassa, the early christian basilica of Aghia Sofia, once referred to as the church of Aghia Anastassia. Please view below.