How the Panagia Eikonistria Saved Skiathos and Her Church From the Destruction of the Nazis

The Icon of Panagia Eikonistria

The following excerpt is from a homily delivered by the Theologian, Iconographer and Professor of Byzantine Music, Konstantinos Koutoumbas, on August 23, 2009, on the anniversary of the saving of the city of Skiathos from being destroyed by the Nazi German army.

 

But even in the difficult years of the occupation, when the Italians were succeeded by the German conquerors, who victoriously marched into the Greek lands, the Most Holy Theotokos, the helper and protector of those who call upon her, did not abandon her faithful people, just as she did not abandon her humble island. The olive oil was abundant, the fruit trees were choked with their fruits with their branches leaning to the ground, the harvests were rich in those years. What the evil conqueror deprived the people of God, was abundantly provided by the nourisher of life, the Panagia Eikonistria.

However, on the morning of August 23, 1944, Skiathos was about to experience a nightmare. It was preceded, a few days before, by the arrest of the German commander of the Northern Sporades, Adler, from the 54th regiment of ELAS Pelion, following the order of the EAM Volos, which confirmed the fears of the local EAM Skiathos committee of retaliation by the Germans.

The Cave Chapel of Saint Nicholas in Skyros

An Aegean chapel of impressive picturesqueness is found on Pouria Beach, after the area of Gyrismata, on the island of Skyros. The Chapel of Saint Nicholas is carved in an impressive porous rock that "gazes" towards the sea. The white cave church is located at the site where in ancient times there was a quarry of porous rocks, and dates back to before 1806. When you are there at some point you will see that the rock in the middle of nowhere, the chapel, the ancient quarry and the windmill create a wonderful corner in Pouria of Skyros.

The Veneration of Saint Matrona of Chios in the Islands of the Aegean

Icon of St. Matrona with scenes from her life dating to 1933 and located in the church bearing her name in Ano Vathi, Samos.

Saint Matrona of Chios is not only highly venerated on the island of Chios, but she is very popular in many Aegean islands and their inhabitants have a special reverence for her.

Thus, in Samos and Ikaria, the wonderworking Saint is especially honored and praised, since both Aegean islands neighbor Chios and are adorned with a total of ten sacred churches in her honor. The honor and veneration of Saint Matrona of Chios in Samos and Ikaria has a special interest and important historical extensions. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the people of Samos, following the Genoese, who had occupied the island, were forced to flee to Chios due to pirate raids. Thus in 1475 Samos submitted to the Turks and was abandoned for about a hundred years. The re-colonization of Samos took place in 1572 after the privileges granted to the island by Sultan Suleiman, and only a Christian population settled there. At this time the so-called Chiosamians, ie the people who had their origins in Samos but were living in Chios, returned to Samos and brought with them icons of Saint Matrona. In this way, her veneration and honor was established on the island and sacred churches were erected in her name in Ano Vathi, where an old miraculous icon of the Saint is kept, in Neo Karlovasi, where the churches was erected in 1845 and is decorated with a magnificent wooden iconostasis, in Mytilenious, where the reverence of the inhabitants towards the Saint is memorable, in Palaiochori Kampos Vourlioton, where the church is mentioned in a sigil of Patriarch Cyril from the year 1745 and is decorated with remarkable frescoes in folk style, and in Koumeika. Saint Matrona is also honored in Samos with an aisle named after her in the holy churches of Prophet Elias in Marathokampos, Saint Demetrios in Ydrousas and Saint Anna in Chora, while in several churches of the island there are portable icons of her (Saint Nicholas of Ormou Karlovakou, Saint Spyridon in Vatheos, Dormition of the Theotokos in Chora, Dormition of the Theotokos in Mytilenious, Transfiguration of Savior in Pythagoras). But also in Ikaria after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Giustiniani of Genoa and more specifically the family of the Aragians maintained the sovereignty of the island until 1481, paying the Turks a tribute. However, seeing the power of the Turks increasing threateningly, they left Ikaria and took with them the inhabitants of the island, taking refuge in Chios. Returning later to their island, the Ikarians established the veneration of Saint Matrona and built churches in her name in the villages of Perdiki (1887), Oxe, Maratho, Dafni and Vrakades.

Synaxis of the Saints of Aegina

On July 30th the eleven Saints associated with the Greek island of Aegina are commemorated together. The celebration of this feast takes place in the Church of the Saints of Aegina which is in Livadi, often confused as the Church of Saint Thomas, which is wrong, because the adjacent chapel located in the courtyard of the church is alone dedicated to Saint Thomas.

Saint Athanasios the Athonite and the Island of Skyros

Cave of St. Athanasios the Athonite, Skyros

In the year 960 Emperor Romanos II (959-963) appointed Nikephoros Phokas, the future emperor, general of the Roman forces, and he was ordered to lead an army to Crete in a campaign against the Arabs. Before leaving for Crete, Nikephoros was told by his brother Leo that Saint Athanasios was abiding at Mount Athos, so he dispatched a warship for the Holy Mountain bearing letters to the fathers of Athos to beseech the Lord on his behalf that he may achieve victory. He also petitioned that they send his esteemed friend Athanasios with two other virtuous elders to Crete. At first Athanasios did not want to go and leave his life of quietude, but after being urged by the fathers that he must go, he went with two other elders. By the time he arrived in Crete, Nikephoros had seized Crete from the Arabs.

Saint Hierotheos the New of Iveron (+ 1745)

St. Hierotheos of Iveron (Feast Day - September 13)

Verses

Hierotheos became sacred of God,

Slaying the passions by mastering pain.

Saint Hierotheos was born into a rich and devout family in Kalamata of Peloponnesos in 1686. His father's name was Demos and his mother was Asimina. He was a chosen vessel of God, for while in the womb a virtuous ascetic revealed to his mother that he would lead a God-pleasing life. And from his earliest years, he had an unquenchable thirst for philosophical and theological learning which was encouraged by his parents.

Saint Athanasia of Aegina the Wonderworker

Verses

To the noblest Athanasia I offer,

The immortal crown according to My word.

Saint Athanasia was born in Paliachora, Aegina from pious and wealthy parents in the ninth century and had a strong calling towards monastic life. Her parents however, Niketas and Irene, married her off against her will. Sixteen days after the marriage, her husband was killed by Saracen pirates, who had invaded Aegina.

Being widowed, the Saint considered it appropriate to fulfill her sacred desire for the monastic life. And while this thought occupied her, a Saracen decree went out through all of Aegina that all unmarried women and widows were to marry idolatrous Saracen men. So Athanasia, against her will, entered a second marriage.

Saints Julian and Julias the Missionaries from Aegina

Sts. Julian and Julias (Feast Days - January 7 and 31; May 19)

In Aegina, Christianity spread rapidly and unhindered. This island was the origin of two great missionary figures who were also brothers from the early fourth century, Julian the Deacon and Julias the Presbyter. Julian was born in 319 and Julias in 330, and both brothers came from a rich Christian family in Aegina, probably in the village of Pahia Rahi in Aegina. After receiving a basic education on the island, they went for higher studies in Athens, studying at that time with Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and the future emperor Julian the Apostate.

Julian and Julias, admiring the work of the Apostle Paul, decided to imitate him. They returned to Aegina where they prepared for their mission. After their ordination by the Bishop of Athens, they preached, baptized, built Christian churches and destroyed the temples of idols. In Corinth they angered Arians who sought to kill them. Then they embarked on their long journey, initially intending to go to Italy, they went to preach the true faith to the inhospitable Balkan lands, in Bohemia, Poland and Hungary.

Saint Reginos the Hieromartyr and Wonderworking Patron of Skopelos

Holy Hieromartyr Reginos of Skopelos (Feast Day - February 25)

By Aristides G. Theodoropoulos

Educator

On the 25th of February the enchanting island of Skopelos brilliantly celebrates the all-sacred memory of the Holy Glorious Hieromartyr Reginos, the Bishop of Skopelos, who honors him as their patron, protector and vicar of this fertile island of the Northern Sporades, which is endowed with unparalleled natural beauty, but made modest by its hundreds of sacred foundations apportioned to monasteries, sketes, parish churches and numerous picturesque chapels and shrines.

Synaxis of All Saints of the Metropolis of Hydra, Spetses and Aegina

On October 17th we commemorate all Protectors and Patron Saints of the Sacred Metropolis of Hydra, Spetses and Aegina. This includes the following, as depicted in the icon above:

1. Holy Apostle Crispus - December 8

2. Saint Leontios the General - June 18

3. Holy Martyr Leonidas of Troezen and his seven companions the Holy Martyrs Charissa, Nike, Galina, Kalisa (Kalida), Nunekhia, Vasilissa, and Theodora - April 16

4. Saints Julius and Julianus, the Missionaries of Aegina - January 31 and May 19

5. Venerable Athanasia the Wonderworker - April 18

6. Venerable Theodora - August 3

7. Venerable Theopisti - August 3

8. Venerable Luke of Steirion - February 7

9. Saint Dionysios of Aegina - December 17 and August 24

10. Saint Makarios of Corinth - April 17

11. Saint Constantine of Hydra - November 14

12. Three Holy New Martyrs Nicholas, Stamatios and John of Spetses - February 3

13. Saint Nektarios of Aegina - November 9 and September 3

14. Saint Savvas of Kalymnos - April 7

The Church of Panagia Prekla in Skiathos

The Church of Panagia Prekla is located on the beautiful island of Skiathos, within the Castle between the Church of Christ and the Mosque. The name Prekla is probably derived from the Latin preclarus (most glorious). It is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos and was built towards the end of the 16th or the beginning of the 17th century.

The church is described wonderfully by the Skiathian native Alexandros Papadiamantis in his Memories of the 15th of August:

“The church was wonderfully decorated and there were beautiful icons, especially the icon of Panagia Prekla, the gold sculptured icon screen in front of the altar, the chandelier, the silver hanging oil lamps, and the standing bronze candle holders... In the past, before 1821, when the now deserted and ruined town was still inhabited, all the residents of the two parishes would go to the church during the first 15 days of August to hear the Supplications and chants.”

The only thing preserved from the church is the icon of the Dormition which is dated to 1653, and a portion of the cornice dated to 1676, both of which are kept in the Sacred Church of the Three Hierarchs.

The church celebrates on the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, but nowadays it has been established to be celebrated on the Sunday following the 15th of August.

Saint Hermolaos, the Protector of Children

Saint Hermolaos is considered to be one of the Unmercenary Saints, having taught Saint Panteleimon the medical arts through Christ, that is, to perform miracles in the name of Christ.

Though honored by Orthodox Christians for centuries, St. Hermolaos is little known today and there are few shrines dedicated to him in Greece. The most important is to be found on the island of Skyros in the Sporades. This island has 365 churches and chapels surrounding the Monastery of Saint George, the patron of Skyros, and St. Hermolaos is among the most celebrated. There St. Hermolaos is considered the patron saint of children, and he is honored with a great celebration on July 26th.

The festivities begin the day before on July 25th. Mothers of various ages travel to this uninhabited section with small wooden fishing vessels from the shore of Molos in order to clean the chapel dedicated to St. Hermolaos and decorate his icon with flowers. They do this every year in order for St. Hermolaos to protect their children during the year. In the evening they are joined by the people of the island and the priests to celebrate the feast. On the way while on the fishing boat the people sing songs dedicated to St. Hermolaos, such as:

"On the island of Saint Hermolaos there is a chapel, they call it Saint Hermolaos the gem of Molos. It celebrates in July, the month of Alonaris, and all go to his grace, young and old. The fishermen of Molos carry the people, and on the road on which they go they tell them to sing."

"Στ' Αγι' Αρμολάου το νησί είναι ένα εκκλησάκι, το λένε Αγιε-Αρμόλαε, του Μώλου στολιδάκι. Γιορτάζει τον Ιούλιο, το μήνα Αλωνάρη, στη χάρη Του πηγαίνουνε όλοι, μικροί-μεγάλοι. Του Μώλου τα ψαράδικα τον κόσμο κουβαλούνε, στο δρόμο που πηγαίνουνε τους λέν' να τραγουδούνε."

During the Divine Liturgy, which takes place outside the chapel, the mothers walk with their children and infants around the chapel three times, they cut their nails, then remove a garment of clothing from their children and they place it, according to custom, in a hole on the east side of the cliff in order for the wind to blow it far away. The blowing away of the garment symbolizes the blowing away of all sickness and disease. The ritual ends when the pilgrims venerate the icon of St. Hermolaos.

Following the Divine Liturgy the pilgrims are offered various local treats to eat, prepared by these mothers. When the pilgrims return to the shore of Molos there is a feast waiting for them with traditional songs and dances, fish soup, and much seafood, and this lasts for many hours.

According to local tradition, this chapel was built by a fisherman captain from Chios to fulfill a vow when passing Skyros.

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion in the Third Tone

O wise Hermolaos with the God-bearing Hermippos, and august Hermokrates, as sacred priests of the Most High, ye who offered the Unbloody Sacrifice rightly were yourselves stained with your own blood as sacrifices offered up to Christ the One God; and now with boldness ye pray that all may be saved.

Panagia Megalomata in Skiathos

Panagia Megalomata (Feast Day - Sunday That Falls Between June 24-30)

The Church of the Panagia was built between the 16th and 17th century, from which has survived the icon of Panagia Megalomata (Large-eyed) which was housed therein. This church is described in Alexandros Papadiamantis' short story "The Impact". It traditionally celebrated its feast day on the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn.

Unfortunately this church had the fate of the other forty chapels of the Castle. When the fortress was abandoned in 1830 and the Skiathians returned to the old Byzantine township which is today the town of Skiathos, the chapel collapsed and turned to ruins. An exception to the fate of these chapels are the four parish churches which have been sustained till our day.

In the winter of 2010 the church was cleaned of its silt. In this work was revealed the surviving floor of the chapel, the entrance, the delineation of the altar area, and traces of wall plaster. Small items were also found.

Following this discovery many Skiathians came to the Castle in 2011 and held an all-night vigil outside, which was also done a few years prior at the other ruined chapel of the Castle known as Panagia of Prekla, whose feast is celebrated on the Dormition of the Theotokos, and whose ruins were discovered at that time.

In this way was established the annual Vigil that is celebrated on the last Sunday of June, which also gives people an opportunity to visit the Castle. From April to August there is at least one chapel at the Castle celebrated per month.

The Vigil begins with the Matins of the Akathist Hymn, to commemorate the fact that its original feast day was on the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn which falls during Great Lent.

The holy icon of Panagia Megalomata is currently housed in the Cathedral Church of the Three Hierarchs in Skiathos.

Read also: Τὸ ἱστορικό τῆς Παναγίας τῆς Μεγαλομάτας