The Sacred Journey of Panagia Skiadeni in Rhodes

If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience during your Easter holidays in Rhodes, following the Journey of Panagia Skiadeni is a unique opportunity. Unlike well-known Easter events, this centuries-old tradition unfolds quietly across fourteen villages, offering a rare glimpse into local life and devotion. The icon travels on foot, carried by residents from one village to the next, blessing each community along the way.

This guide will help you understand the entire route and its stops, allowing you to plan where to experience this significant journey.

When Does the Panagia Skiadeni Route Take Place?

Before its journey across the villages of Rhodes Island begins, the icon of Panagia Skiadeni follows a lesser-known but meaningful route. At the beginning of the Great Lent (Sarakosti), the icon is taken to the nearby island of Halki (Chalki), where it remains for several days, welcomed with reverence by the local community. After this period of spiritual preparation, it returns to its home at the Monastery of Panagia Skiadeni in Rhodes.

The journey begins on Lazarus Saturday, just before Holy Week, and continues until the Tuesday after Bright Week.

From the monastery of Panagia Skiadeni, the icon is carried on foot by the faithful, traveling from village to village across the settlements of Attavyros and South Rhodes. Each night, it rests at the central church of each village, and after the morning service, it resumes its sacred journey. This isn’t just a symbolic act—local residents from each village genuinely carry the icon themselves, walking side by side in a heartfelt display of devotion, prayer, and tradition.

The first stop is the village of Monolithos, and from there, the journey unfolds day by day, village by village.

Panagia Skiadeni Route and Stops by Village and Date

The icon follows a specific path through southwest and southern Rhodes, stopping in each village for a short stay before continuing its journey. As it spans multiple days and locations, it is possible to experience the tradition in different villages depending on your itinerary.

Lazarus Saturday: From Panagia Skiadeni Monastery to Monolithos

In Monolithos, where the true journey begins, everything feels symbolic. Perched near the dramatic coastline, the village welcomes the icon to the Church of Apostle Thomas (Apostolos Thomas) with a quiet reverence that sets the tone for the days ahead. There is a sense of beginning—not just of a route, but of something deeper. Locals gather just outside of the village, waiting for their fellow villagers with calm anticipation, knowing they are the first to receive the blessing that will travel across the island.

Palm Sunday: From Monolithos to Sianna

In Sianna village, tradition is part of everyday life, and the arrival of the icon at the historic Church of Saint Panteleimon (Agios Panteleimonas) is embraced wholeheartedly. The village comes together naturally, as if guided by memory. Elders, families, and children all take part, creating a moment that feels both communal and deeply personal. Here, the icon is not just received—it is welcomed as part of the village’s identity.

Holy Monday: From Sianna to Kritinia

In the picturesque village of Kritinia, with its views stretching toward the sea and its historic character, the presence of the icon in the Church of Saint George (Agios Georgios) feels timeless. As it enters the village, it passes through spaces shaped by centuries of history. The moment carries a quiet dignity, blending the weight of tradition with the simplicity of faith.

Holy Tuesday: From Kritinia to Embonas

In Embonas village, the heart of the mountain region, the welcome is warm and sincere. Life slows down as the icon arrives at the central Church of the village dedicated to the Dormition of Panagia. People gather not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to be present. The connection here feels strong—between people, place, and tradition—making the experience especially heartfelt.

Holy Wednesday: From Embonas to Agios Isidoros

Agios Isidoros offers a quieter, more introspective moment along the journey. Because of its few inhabitants, the icon of Panagia Skiadeni is often transported by car, accompanied by the local priest. The locals gather at the Saint Isidore Church (Agios Isidoros), filled with anticipation and respect for the icon’s arrival. This moment is a time for gratitude and reflection.

Holy Thursday: From Agios Isidoros to Istrios

In Istrios, the transition toward the solemnity of Good Friday becomes more evident. The atmosphere grows heavier, more contemplative. As the icon moves through the village to the Church of Saint Mercurius (Agios Merkourios), it carries with it the emotional weight of the days to come, preparing the community for the depth of Good Friday.

Good Friday: From Istrios to Arnitha

The arrival of the icon of Panagia Skiadeni on Good Friday at the village of Arnitha holds one of the most emotionally charged moments of the journey. Even though the icon continues its journey to the next village on the same day, the presence of the icon in Saint George Church (Agios Georgios) blends with the day’s mourning and reflection. The silence feels deeper, and the participation more heartfelt.

Holy Saturday: From Apolakkia back to the Monastery

In Apolakkia village, the home of Panagia Skiadeni Monastery, the final hours before the Resurrection carry a quiet intensity. As the icon rests at the Church of Saint Marina (Agia Marina) before briefly returning to the monastery, the village becomes a place of anticipation. There is a sense that something is about to change—that the stillness of Good Friday will soon give way to light.

The Route Continues After Easter

The journey does not end on Easter Sunday. Instead, it continues across more villages, extending the celebration and connection.

Holy Saturday: From the Monastery of Panagia Skiadeni to Kattavia

During Holy Saturday and the first days of Easter, Kattavia village reveals one of the most unique and meaningful moments of the Panagia Skiadeni journey.

On Holy Saturday morning, after the church service, young men from the village walk all the way to the Monastery of Panagia Skiadeni. This act, carried out year after year, reflects both devotion and continuity, as the tradition has been faithfully passed down through generations.

Later that night, in a symbolic and time-honored custom, they “take” the icon of Panagia Skiadeni and carry it to the Monastery of Saint Minas (Agios Minas), just outside the village. There, they remain throughout the night, keeping vigil and celebrating the Resurrection in a quiet, deeply spiritual atmosphere.

At dawn, they begin their return to the village. As they approach, they are welcomed by the priest and a large gathering of locals, while church bells ring joyfully, marking both the Resurrection and the return of the icon.

Following this, the icon is taken into the home of local residents who have previously expressed their wish to host it. It remains there overnight, offering a personal blessing and fostering a meaningful connection between the sacred and everyday life.

On Easter Tuesday, after noon, the icon is carried to the cemetery. It is taken to each grave, where a trisagion service is performed. Residents bring sweets to share, and many people arrive from neighboring villages, adding to the sense of collective remembrance and community.

Easter Tuesday: From Kattavia to Vati

In Vati village, the days after Easter feel lighter, filled with a quiet joy. The presence of the icon at Saint John the Theologian Church from Easter Tuesday to Easter Thursday reflects this transition. The solemnity of Holy Week has passed, and what remains is a gentle sense of renewal. The village welcomes the icon with warmth, as part of a continued celebration.

Easter Thursday: From Vati to Asklipio

Asklipio village is where tradition and celebration beautifully intersect. The arrival of the icon from Vati stirs up movement, energy, and a sense of anticipation. Initially, it is brought to the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Koimisi tis Theotokou), where it stays overnight. Then, on Friday morning, it travels to the Zoodochou Pigis monastery, where a Panigiri is being held. Locals from Gennadi are gathered there, waiting to carry the icon to their village.

Easter Friday: From Asklipio to Gennadi

Gennadi welcomes the icon at Saint John the Theologian Church with openness and vibrancy. Often accompanied by local festivities, this stop reflects the joy of the Easter season. It is a moment where devotion is expressed not only through quiet reflection, but also through shared celebration.

Easter Saturday: From Gennadi to Lachania

Lachania offers a peaceful and almost timeless setting as the icon moves at Saint George Church (Agios Georgios) from the villagers, after traveling about 11 km on foot.

Its whitewashed houses and calm atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for the presence of the icon. Here, everything feels slower, softer—allowing visitors to fully absorb the beauty of the tradition before the journey continues to the next village.

Thomas Sunday: From Lachania to Mesanagros

In Mesanagros, the journey reaches its final chapter. The icon arrives at the Monastery of Saint Thomas (Agios Thomas), where celebrations mark the closing of this long and meaningful route. There is a sense of completion, but also continuity—as the tradition will begin again the following year.

The icon remains in the village for a few final days before returning to the Monastery of Panagia Skiadeni on Tuesday after Bright Week, offering one last opportunity for connection, reflection, and blessing.

A Tradition That Connects Communities

As the icon arrives in each village, it is welcomed with deep respect and emotion. Churches open their doors, bells ring, and locals gather to participate in the litany, receiving blessings for their homes, families, and land.

This is a tradition that has endured for generations. It is not organized for visitors or spectacle—it is something authentic, preserved by the people themselves.

And yet, for those who happen to witness it, the experience is quietly powerful.

Why This Hidden Easter Tradition Is Worth Discovering

The Journey of Panagia Skiadeni is one of the most authentic Greek Easter customs in Rhodes. It is not widely advertised, and that is exactly what makes it special. It unfolds naturally, shaped by the people who continue it year after year.

For travelers seeking something beyond the usual sights, this is an opportunity to experience the island in a deeper, more meaningful way—through its traditions, its villages, and its people.