Patmos is known to be one of the most breathtaking islands owing to its incredible beauty and picturesque sceneries. It is part of the Dodecanese islands, situated in the South Eastern Aegean Sea. Patmos is also known as the “island of the Apocalypse”, since Apostle John who was in exile there, had a vision and wrote the Holy Book of Revelation. Therefore, it strikes as no surprise that Patmos constitutes a centre for many pilgrims from around the world. The intense religious aura is apparent throughout each corner of the island, since there are numerous churches and monasteries scattered around.

During the Passion Week, on the Island of the Apocalypse, visitors are immersed in a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The presence of the Monastery of St. John brings about an uninterrupted observance and practice of the preserved Early Christian traditions:

• The Washing of the Disciples Feet on Maundy Thursday is the most important church ceremony. The Abbot portrays the role of Christ who washed the feet of His disciples before His Crucifixion. On this day, a stage as a platform is constructed in the square of the capital village Chora. In an awe-inspiring ceremony, the Abbot, after washing the feet of 12 monks, steps off the stage and heads for a sacred place to pray, reminding us of the way Jesus followed towards the Garden of Gethsemane.
• The reenactment of the Deposition from the Cross takes place in the Monastery of St. John. On the same evening, Epitaphs of the various churches fill the narrow cobbled streets and paths of the island to meet at the central squares of Ηora (a UNESCO world heritage site) and Skala (Patmos’ port).
• In the evening of Easter Saturday, the Monastery opens its gates to welcome us for the celebration of the Resurrection. Locals and visitors have the unique opportunity to attend an Eastern Orthodox mass in a mystic atmosphere of devout concentration, held in one of the most important Christian monasteries. When “Christos Anesti” (Christ has risen) is heard, an impressive display of fireworks light up the night sky.
• Time to celebrate: People walk down through the labyrinthine alleys of medieval Ηora in search of restaurants and tavernas to savour some of the traditional Easter dishes, as the 40-day period of fasting finally comes to an end.
• However, the highlight of Easter ceremonies is the “Liturgy of Love”, held on Easter Sunday at 3 in the afternoon at the Monastery of St. John. During this liturgy, which his dedicated to the Second Resurrection, the Gospel of the Resurrection is read in seven different languages! When the mass ends, red eggs are offered to all those in attendance by the Abbot, symbolising the perpetual rebirth of life and nature.

During the summer months, the island is a place full of religious festivities and celebrations that are especially interesting for both locals and visitors:

• 7th of July: Church of St. Kyriaki: the little chapel which is part of the Patmos Paradise Hotel is being celebrated. In addition to the morning mass, the church also services an evening mass the evening before.
• 27th July: Church of St. Panteleimonas (situated at the islet of Hiliomodi where someone can go by boat)
• 5th August: Church of Metamorphosis at Kambos village
• 15th August: Church of Koimisis of Theotokou
• 23rd August: Church of Panagia of Erimitiriou
• 26th September: the Cave of Apocalypse and the Church of Apostle John
• The Festival of Sacred Music is being held 10 years now. It lasts 10 days in the beginning of September and many visitors organize their stay just to be present during its duration.

It is noteworthy to mention that several of the aforementioned celebrations are accompanied by big open air events, such as the beach party at Agriolivadi on the 13th August, the beach party at Kambos and the traditional Greek festivity at Panagia Geranos on the 15th August.