Panagia Katholiki
Event Starts In
Description
The Panagia Katholiki Church in Kremasti, Rhodes, stands proudly in the center of the village, 13 km from Rhodes Town. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, it is one of the most important religious pilgrimage sites in Rhodes.
The present church was built in 1960 on the foundations of an older building demolished in 1958. One of the surviving elements of the original church is its distinctive bell tower on the western side, notable for its unusual architectural design. The beautifully maintained church courtyard is filled with flowers and trees and features a large mosaic image of the Virgin Mary.
As you step inside, you encounter an atmosphere of remarkable beauty and reverence, with impressive wall paintings created by several modern-era artists and an elaborate iconostasis constructed in two phases.
The church houses valuable religious treasures, including liturgical vessels, books, icons and part of the relics of Saint Myron, Bishop of Crete. Its most treasured possession is the miraculous 15th-century icon of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, displayed prominently in a specially designed area about one metre below the main floor.
Panagia Katholiki Church in Kremasti holds significant importance for the locals. During the festive days, you will see many pilgrims from neighboring villages and Rhodes Town making their way to the church on foot, walking many kilometers to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.
Feast Day and Panigyri of Panagia Katholiki in Kremasti
The Church of Panagia Katholiki in Kremasti village honors the Dormition of the Virgin Mary over a nine-day period known as “Eniamera,” taking place from 14 to 23 August.
On the evening of 14 August, following the hymns in honor of the Virgin Mary (engomia tis Panagias), the Epitaph procession takes place, a religious ritual not to be missed. On 23 August, following the Divine Liturgy, the icon of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession, accompanied by the philharmonic orchestra and the military.
This nine-day event attracts visitors from across Rhodes and the Dodecanese and is the largest traditional festival on the island, highlighting the church’s importance as a religious and cultural landmark in the region.