Difference between revisions of "Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos"

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== Cave of the Apocalypse ==
 
== Cave of the Apocalypse ==
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::''See Main Article: [[Cave of the Apocalypse]]''
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The '''Cave of the Apocalypse''' is situated between Skala and Chora. The view from the cave and the mysticism of the atmosphere are incredible. When he first arrived in Patmos, ''Christodoulos the Latrinos'' refurbished the cave. Today, a pilgrim can see the place at which the Apocalypse was written, the place where St. John stayed, the massive rock that opened up in there and through which God dictated the Apocalypse to St. John, the point were the Evangelist lay his head to rest and a curve on the rock, which he would hold onto, in order to rise - the southern part of the cave has been turned into a church.
 
The '''Cave of the Apocalypse''' is situated between Skala and Chora. The view from the cave and the mysticism of the atmosphere are incredible. When he first arrived in Patmos, ''Christodoulos the Latrinos'' refurbished the cave. Today, a pilgrim can see the place at which the Apocalypse was written, the place where St. John stayed, the massive rock that opened up in there and through which God dictated the Apocalypse to St. John, the point were the Evangelist lay his head to rest and a curve on the rock, which he would hold onto, in order to rise - the southern part of the cave has been turned into a church.
  

Revision as of 01:31, May 5, 2008

The Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos consists of the entire Island of Patmos(Greek Πάτμος), Leipso, Agathonesion and Arkioi and its constituent monasteries and churches, belonging to the Church of Constantinople under the Venerable Patriarchal and Synodical Act and Statute 1155/81. Patmos island is also referred to as the Jerusalem of the Aegean Sea, since it is the island of ascetic austerity.

The Patriarchal Exarch and Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian is His Grace Archimandrite Andipas Nikitaras.

History

Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese and is populated with churches and communities of Orthodox Christians. From the very earliest times, Orthodox tradition has associated Patmos with St. John the Theologian; on this island is the cave of his exile and from where he wrote the Book of Revelation. More specifically, it is remembered as the place where he recorded his vision from Jesus that came to us as the Book of Revelation. Revelation was written as an exhortation to the Christian believers to stay true to their faith during the persecutions near the end of the first century.[1]

The whole island is dominated by the two monasteries, built in his honour and memory, and Chora, the island’s historic center, are all declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2006.

Monastery of St. John the Theologian

See Main Article: Monastery of St. John the Theologian (Patmos)

The Monastery of St. John the Theologian was founded 1088 AD by St. Christodoulos the Latrinos, who had been granted the whole island of Patmos with a golden bull by the Emperor of Byzantium Alexis I Komninos. The monastery belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and is therefore a Patriarchal exarchate with a Patriarchal exarch, its abbot had special benefits.

The Monastery has ten chapels, four of which are located in its yard. In the Catholic of the monastery, there is a temple of unique art, created in 1829, by 12 sculptors.

Cave of the Apocalypse

See Main Article: Cave of the Apocalypse

The Cave of the Apocalypse is situated between Skala and Chora. The view from the cave and the mysticism of the atmosphere are incredible. When he first arrived in Patmos, Christodoulos the Latrinos refurbished the cave. Today, a pilgrim can see the place at which the Apocalypse was written, the place where St. John stayed, the massive rock that opened up in there and through which God dictated the Apocalypse to St. John, the point were the Evangelist lay his head to rest and a curve on the rock, which he would hold onto, in order to rise - the southern part of the cave has been turned into a church.

List of Churches and Monasteries

  • Chora, Patmos
    • Parish of the Great Panagia
    • Parish of Our Lady of the Cemetery
    • Parish of the Ipapanti of Christ
  • Skalas, Patmos
    • Parish of St. John the Baptist
    • Parish of St. Nicholas
  • Netia, Patmos
  • Parish of Apostle Thomas
  • Kambos, Patmos
    • Parish of the Evvagelismos of the Virgin-Mary
  • Island of Leipso
    • Parish of St. John the Theologian
  • Island of Agathonision
    • Parish of St. George
  • Island of Arkioi
    • Parish of the Transfiguration

Saints and Monastics

Theological School of Patmos

See Main Article: Theological School of Patmos

The Theological School of Patmos was founded by the deacon Makarios Kalogeras in 733 AD.

UNESCO

See Main Article: UNESCO

The Monastery of St. John the Theologian, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Historic Centre (Chora) of the island are all protected by UNESCO. The Delegate of Thailand raised the question of eligibility of criterion (vi). He thought that the criterion should be applied. This recommendation was also endorsed by ICOMOS and the Committee. Delegates and observers commended the high values of the site and decided to keep the criterion.

Notes

  1. P. N. Tarazi, The New Testament - Introduction, Vol. 3 - Johannine Writings, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, New York, 2004 ISBN 0-88141-264-3

External link