Welcome to the Holy Convent of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Patmos: A Pilgrim's Guide

Dearest pilgrim, receive a double blessing and a heartfelt welcome to Patmos! I am honored to guide you to the sacred precincts of the Holy Convent of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Iera Moni Evangelismou tis Theotokou), also known locally as Evangelismos. Situated just behind the historic village of Chora, this sanctuary is dedicated to the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive the Son of God. This convent is a haven of peace and the active center of Orthodox spiritual life for women on the island. May your visit to this place of profound humility and grace be a source of deep joy and contemplation.

Essential Information for Your Holy Visit

As you prepare to enter, remember that the convent's rules are designed to maintain a life of prayer and solitude for the sisterhood.

Opening Hours & Quiet Hours: The convent maintains a measured schedule to accommodate visitors while preserving the monastic rhythm. It is generally open to pilgrims daily from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM (note that this may be a slightly wider window than other convents, but local confirmation is always best). All visitors are kindly requested to stop at the monastery's bookshop upon arrival. While there may not be a strict gate closure during the afternoon, the entire facility is a place of profound solitude, and pilgrims must respect the hours set aside for the nuns' private prayer, rest, and work by maintaining absolute quietude and reverence throughout the day.

Dress Code and Behaviour: A traditional and very strict modest dress code is mandatory to honor the Theotokos and the sanctity of the nuns' vow. Shoulders, arms (long sleeves), and knees (long skirts) must be fully covered.

• For women: Long skirts, long-sleeved blouses, and a head covering (scarf) are explicitly requested. Pants, mini-skirts, short sleeves, and low-cut blouses are unacceptable.

• For men: Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required.

• For all: Shoes or sandals must be worn with socks at all times—no bare feet are permitted. Your behaviour must be quiet, reflective, and subdued. Smoking is strictly forbidden anywhere on the Monastery grounds, and mobile phones must be silenced.

Permits and Fees: A special entry permit is not required for general visitation. There is no entrance fee, as the spiritual blessing is freely offered. However, a voluntary recommended donation is customary and deeply appreciated, supporting the community's mission and the upkeep of the holy buildings.

Photography Rules: Due to the sanctity and the desire to protect the nuns' life of solitude, photography is strictly forbidden inside the church and within the private areas of the convent. You may take respectful exterior photos of the surrounding grounds and the beautiful architecture.

Location, Access, and Parking

The convent offers a peaceful retreat just steps away from the bustling center of Chora.

Exact Location and How to Get There: The Holy Convent of the Annunciation of the Theotokos is situated on the southwest side of Chora, the historic capital of Patmos, overlooking the scenic Bay of Kypos. To reach the island, you must take a ferry or catamaran to the port of Skala. From Skala, take a taxi or the local bus up the hill to Chora. Once in Chora, the convent is a pleasant, quiet 10 to 15-minute walk from the main square through the picturesque alleyways.

Parking and Walking: Designated parking availability is located at the top of Chora, near the Monastery of Saint John. From there, the walking distance to the Convent of the Annunciation is easily managed, taking you through the beautiful, quiet outer edges of the village.

Spiritual Heart and History

Patron Saint and Spiritual Story: The monastery is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Evangelismos), the glorious moment when the Mother of God humbly accepted God's will to become the Mother of Christ. The spiritual story is one of perfect obedience, humility, and the beginning of the salvation of the world. The convent also honors Saint Luke the Evangelist in a side chapel, as he is the patron saint of Byzantine iconography, a tradition highly valued by the sisterhood.

Founding Date and Historical Significance: The convent began as a small chapel with a hermitage. Its major renovation and dedication took place in 1613 AD by Nikiphoros, an abbot of the Monastery of Saint John. However, the convent as it is known today was significantly expanded and formally founded in 1937 AD by the revered monk and spiritual father Amfilochios Makris (later canonized as Saint Amfilochios of Patmos, who reposed in 1970). The convent is famous for its dedication to the traditional Orthodox arts, specifically Byzantine embroidery using the intricate 'spark' technique, a tradition that connects it to the island’s rich Byzantine past. The life of the community is a powerful example of modern asceticism combined with artistic and social welfare work.

Important Icons, Relics, or Miraculous Items: The central focus is the Icon of the Annunciation. The convent's church also includes the Chapel of Saint Luke the Evangelist and the Chapel of Saint Anthony, and houses beautiful icons dating back to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. Additionally, relics associated with its saintly founder, Saint Amfilochios Makris, are revered by the sisterhood and pilgrims.

Monastic Life and Hospitality

Current Number of Nuns: This is an active women's convent. The community is vibrant, housing over 40 nuns who are dedicated not only to prayer but also to social welfare, gardening, beekeeping, and the exquisite Byzantine embroidery art.

Level of Hospitality and Conversation: Hospitality (Filoxenia) is offered with warmth and quiet dignity. Conversations are allowed when you address the Abbess or a designated nun for brief, necessary inquiries, a blessing, or spiritual counsel. Respect their schedule and keep all discussions focused and concise, mindful of their vow of silence and prayer.

Guesthouse Availability and Reservation Needs: Guesthouse availability for foreign pilgrims is generally highly restricted. Any request for an overnight stay should be for a profound spiritual purpose and requires mandatory reservations made well in advance by contacting the convent directly.

Participation in Liturgies or Services: Pilgrims are welcome to attend the daily services. The services, including the Orthros (Matins) and Divine Liturgy, are celebrated in the morning. The schedule of Days and hours of services is posted locally; please confirm these times upon arrival.

Shop, Duration, and Surroundings

Monastery Shop and Products: The convent operates a shop/bookstore near the entrance. Here, you can find the exquisite Byzantine embroidery (the 'spark' technique) created by the nuns, small icons, spiritual books, and perhaps honey or herbal products from their gardens, all of which directly support the sisterhood.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit: Allow approximately one hour for a complete, reverent visit, including venerating the icons, spending quiet time in the courtyard, and visiting the shop.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, and Landmarks: The convent's location on the edge of Chora is peaceful.

• Chora Village: Offers numerous historical chapels, traditional merchants' houses, and scenic alleyways.

• Cave of the Apocalypse: Located on the main road below Chora.

• Monastery of Saint John the Theologian: Crowns the top of the hill.

• The location also provides access to paths leading down towards the Bay of Kypos.

Feast Day and Celebration

The major Feast Day of the convent is the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Evangelismos), celebrated on March 25th.

What happens during the celebration: The Annunciation is a double celebration in Greece, as it is also the National Holiday commemorating the start of the War of Independence in 1821. On the evening of March 24th, a magnificent All-Night Vigil is held, followed by a High Mass (Divine Liturgy) on the morning of March 25th in the convent. The atmosphere is one of profound spiritual joy, celebrating the Mother of God's 'Yes' to God. The celebration is marked by beautiful hymns and a strong presence of the local faithful and clergy.

May the joy of the Annunciation fill your heart and soul on this blessed island.