Pilgrimage To The Holy Monastery Of Agios Panteleimon
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Wednesday, 15 June 2022… Another early start. Absolutely no need for an alarm clock when you have large numbers of hooded crows in the neighbourhood… squawking from the crack of dawn.
Left George Apartments in time to pickup my breakfast… Bougatsa (custard pie) from the bakery and chat with the oregano man, before catching the first bus of the day to Agios Antonios. Deserted in the early morning, however, I understand Delfini Tavern is a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Set out to walk the 5.5km to Agios Panteleimon Monastery. Past the Windmill and onwards in searing heat… such an amazing, stunningly beautiful coastline. Nisyros island can be seen in the distance, beehives, oleander and goats calling from clifftops… such a memorable walk.
Set in a landscape of exceptional natural beauty and constructed in the 15th Century, a full size depiction of the monk Ionas, founder of the Monastery, can be seen on the church wall. After 1936 and it’s last abbot Makarios, the Monastery was abandoned. It now functions purely as a place of pilgrimage while occasionally the parish priest from Megalo Chorio spends time there. Today he arrived shortly after 11.00 hours to unlock the gate, allowing myself and a couple from Austria in to view.
Walked back to Agios Antonios for a well deserved large draft Amstel beer, where I got talking to David. From London, a keen walker like myself, he has been visiting Greece for many years and in particular, Tilos. We both struggled to recall the name of a writer who wrote a book about life on Tilos… I read it several years ago. Later Google helped me out… “An Octopus In My Ouzo” by Jennifer Barclay. According to David, Jennifer is still seen in Livadia… maybe I’ll get to meet her before I leave Tilos.
Caught the express bus back to Livadia and headed straight to the bay for a swim. I’ve been out for early dinner but now feeling rather tired, albeit relaxed and ready for sleep. Tomorrow more adventures await me.
