Patmos Saint John Monastery

Location: Chora

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John the Theologian) is the most significant cultural and religious center in Patmos. Standing atop a hill overlooking Chora, the capital, it is visible from every part of the island and is perhaps the first thing one will notice as they step onto the island. It was established by the monk Agios Christodoulos, who was granted sovereignty over the island by Alexios I Komnenos in 1088. The building of the monastery officially began in 1091 on the site of a ruined fourth-century basilica also dedicated to Saint John.

The monastery has a heavy gate that can be reached by some stony pathways adorned with pebbles. The beautifully decorated inner courtyard features a well with holy water and a water tank in its center. Since the island was repeatedly ravaged by the Turks around the time of the monastery’s construction, it is heavily fortified with tall, thick walls, towers, and ramparts. Most of these fortifications are prime examples of Byzantine architecture. An arch with four curves on the eastern side of the monastery dominates the area and also bears many frescoes symbolizing miracles performed by Saint John.

Around the central courtyard lies the main Catholicon, dedicated to Saint John, and the chapel of the Virgin Mary, which houses the oldest frescoes of the monastery, dating to the 11th century. The relic of the founder of the monastery is kept at the chapel of Agioi Apostoli, constructed in 1603. A further eight chapels can be found inside the monastery, which served as the grounds for meetings held by the monks. Particularly fascinating is the chapel which includes a beautiful wood-carved icon stand, a marble floor, and rich decoration.

On the grounds of the monastery, one will also find a rather impressive library, established by Agios Christodoulos. The library includes 2,000 volumes, 13,000 documents, and 900 manuscripts. About 30 of these manuscripts were bequeathed to the monastery by the successor of Christodoulos. Other prized possessions include Savens, the collection of Nikiforos Laodikias, works of ecclesiastic father codes, biographies of saints, and others.

One of the highlights of the monastery is the Ecclesiastical Museum. It was established in 1988 in celebration of the 800 years since the foundation of the monastery. The museum features many interesting exhibitions, showcasing a vast collection of religious relics and historical items. These include superb icons, ecclesiastical utensils, vestments embroiled with silver or gold threads and bejeweled with precious stones, and various garments that constitute the treasury of the monastery.

The monastery celebrates the feast of Agios Ioannis Theologos on the 8th of May. The feast consists only of a ceremony in the church.