Metropolis of Symi

The Metropolis of Symi constitutes the geographical island of Symi, in the Dodecannese, of Greece but is under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople and is most famous for its miraculous icon of Archangel Michael o Panormitis.

Metropolitan

The current metropolitan is His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos (Dimitriadis) of Pamphilos, who was consecrated as Bishop of Pamphilos on November 8, 1980. He was born October 26, 1944 in Imbros of Turkey and ordained a priest August 6, 1968.

Monasteries and Churches

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 Archangel Michael of Panormitis

• The Roukouniotis Monastery is a 15th century monastery built like a fortress. Outside the fortress walls one can see century old cypress trees in the shape of umbrellas.
• The Monastery of the "Megalos Sotiras" (the Great Saviour).
• The Church of the Virgin (Panaghia) on the hill with the castle was built on the site of the temple of Athena Acra.

The following churches are to be found in the wider area of the island:

• 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.

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