Archangel Michael of Panormitis

The miraculous icon of the Archangel Michael Panormitis (Gr. Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ ο Πανορμίτης στη Σύμη) in Symi, Greece is one of four miraculous icons of the Archangel Michael in the Dodecanesse of Greece

Monastery of the Taxiarchis

Monsatery of Arch. Michael "Panormitis", Symi, Greece

Symi island of the Dodecanese, Greece, is situated in southeast Aegean sea and northwest of Rhodes. While touring around the island you will see many churches and monasteries. The Greek Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis is the most important in the island and second in Dodecanese after the monastery of Saint John in Patmos. It is located in the south end of Symi, built in a closed cove with sand.

The exact date of the construction of the original church stays unknown but some locals suggest that it was built around 450 AD on the site of an ancient temple to Apollo. It is dedicated to the Taxiarch Michael and we do know that it was renovated at the end of the 18th century. It contains a splendid icon of the Archangel and two interesting museum sections. On the day of his celebration many pilgrims of all Dodecanese come to the island to celebrate.

The monastery’s dorm house can host up to 500 people. Reaching it can be done only by boat from Gialos or using a local bus.

Note, if visiting Symi for the Taxiarch, it is also worth visiting the monasteries of Roukounioti, dedicated to Archangel Michail and the Monastery of Kokkimidis. The Monastery of Roukounioti has remarkable murals dating from the 14th century. The Monastery of Kokkimidis, on the other hand, is a old Byzantine monastery renovated in 1697. Other monasteries of interest include the Monastery of Sotiros and of Stavros Polemou which are on the west coast of the island.

Folklore & Tradition

There are a couple of traditions connected to the Panormitis.

• Message in a bottle

Another tradition, is to send Panormiti a prayer in a bottle. The tradition holds that if the Archangel prays for you and this prayer will be granted by our Lord, no matter from where in the world you are, the bottle will end up in the port of the Monastery. Many of these messages can be viewed in the museum of the monastery.

• The tradition of the broom offering

Another local tradition, is to offer Panormitis a traditional broom so that he can sweep his monastery during the night ... this tradition stems from locals having seen visions of Panormiti during their sleep requesting them to make him this offering.

• Fulfil your promise ... or else ...

After docking at the picturesque harbor of Symi, passengers board one of the local boats and follow the western coast of the island to the harbour of "Panormitis". Many of these passengers are pilgrims who have made a promise to the Taxiarch and visit the island to fulfill that promise. There are many stories that are told where a pilgrim has forgotten to give his 'tagma' or something unusual occurs and the boat does not leave the dock.

Hymns & Troparia

Hail, Michael, great chief commander with all the hosts of heaven!

The Other Icons of the Dodecanesse

1. Archangel Michael of Mantamados near Mytilini, Lesvos island, Greece

External Resources

http://www.symivisitor.com/about_symi.htm http://www.photographersdirect.com/stockimages/t/taxiarchis.asp