Patmos continued

We began our day at the Covent of Evangelismos, an active monastery of contemplation. The sisters here live their lives in quiet contemplation but also specialise in producing beautiful icons, embroidery and bee keeping. There was a strong sense of peacefulness and tranquility.

We then visited the Monastery of St John the Beloved - a huge fortress like building built in the 11th century. The icons and frescos here were incredible. The Orthodox churches have a tremendously rich tradition and active connection with their original beginnings. Included here was a page from an original gospel dated around 150AD

That's Greg in the red shirt and Panama

 

Bishop Anthony met a young French monk here.

The monastery is perched high above Chora the main village on Patmos.

 

Afterwards we visited the Cave of Revelation - the place where St John was revealed the mysteries of the Apocalypse. No photography is permitted but the experience was very moving knowing that this place was so sacred. I placed my hand on the flat rock area where the text was written, John's hand hold that he used to lower himself when praying and examined the massive crack in the ceiling caused by God's voice as John received the visions.

We celebrated mass at the site with the exquisite Patmos coastline as a backdrop. Here's a selection of photos of the village of Chora. It's hard not to find postcard style vistas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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