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The '''Metropolis of Symi''' constitutes of the geographical island of Symi, in part of the Dodecannese, of . While the island is in Greece but it is under the [[ jurisdiction ]] of the [[Church of Constantinople]] and . It is most famous for its miraculous [[icon ]] of Archangel Michael [[Archangel Michael of Panormitis| '''o Panormitis''']]. == Metropolitan ==The current [[metropolitan]] is His Grace Bishop [[Chrysostomos (Dimitriadis) of Pamphilos]], who was [[consecration of a bishop|consecrated]] Bishop of Pamphilos on [[November 8]], 1980. He was born [[October 26]], 1944 in Imbros of Turkey and [[ordination|ordained]] a [[priest]] [[August 6]], 1968. == Island of Symi ==Symi island is rocky and barren and has thrived on the success of its sponge-diving fleet and boat-building industry. The island was largely paganistic with a strong mythology dominating the island's culture. By the 17th century it was considered the third wealthiest island of the Dodecannese. There are reputedly over 300 monasteries, churches, and [[chapel]]s on the island.  == The Local Presence of the Archangel Michael ==:''Main article: [[Archangel Michael of Panormitis]]'' Residents of this island and metropolis call the [[Taxiarchis]] Michael of Panormitis "a thief" [tongue in cheek]. According to tradition, if you ask a favour of the Archangel you must vow to give something in return. If the dedicatory offering is not made the Archangel Michael will find a way to take it for himself. As a result, the interior of the Monastery of Taxiarchi Michail Panormiti is decorated by a dazzling array of [[Votive Offerings|votive offerings]] (''tamata'') from many pilgrims locally and world-wide, including small model ships made of silver and/or gold.

There are reputed to be over 300 monasteries, churches and chapels on Symi. Some of the more well known include:* The Monastery of Panormitis Michael:''see main article'' Monastery of Taxiarchi Michail Panormiti'''at Panormitis bay, is the most popular attraction of this little [[Archangel Michael metropolis]]. It is a place of Panormitisregular [[pilgrimage]], especially for Greek sailors worldwide. * The '''* The Roukouniotis Monastery of Agiou Mihail Roukounioti''' is a 15th century [[monastery ]] built like a fortressin Gothic and folk architecture. Outside the fortress walls one can see century old cypress trees in the shape of umbrellas.It houses many 14th century frescoes and includes a rare semi-circular 15th century icon of the ''Hospitality of Abraham'' that was painted by a famous Cretan artist named [[Stylianos Genis]]. * The late 19th century church of Saint George. This has an unusual pebble mosaic of fierce mermaids. In the folklore of the islands, these were responsible for the fierce storms that would sink ships. 

 *The Church of the Virgin (Panaghia) on the hill with the castle was built on the site of the temple of Athena Acra.

*St. John Tsangrias, *St. Prokopios (14th century) and *St. Marina of the Neras (15th century).*In the area of Emborios there is a chapel dedicated to the Ascension of Christ in Kokkinochroma Bay which is next to the sea. *There is also a [[church ]] dedicated to the Panaghia Apokoui (who listens) on the inlet of Nimos. == The continual presence of Archangel Michael ==Residents of Symi call Archangel Michael Panormitis '''a thief''', tongue in cheek, because if a dedicatory offering is not made the Archangel finds some way to take it for himself. 

[[Category:Dioceses|Symi]][[Category:Greek Dioceses|Symi]]