Patmos Island has been known to be the site where St. John the Divine has written the revelation. This has attracted both pilgrims and tourists alike in the island, not just because of this historical data, but also because of the preserved Early Christian traditions still practiced in the Island because of the intervention of the monastery of St. John which has brought about an uninterrupted observance and practice of these traditions.
The Holy Week, or the season of Lent, holds the most of these traditions in Patmos. The center of these church ceremonies and Christian services is the “Washing of the Disciples’ Feet”. It has been believed to have a profound effect on everyone who has witnessed the event.
The washing of the feet of the disciples is done on Holy Thursday. During this day, the capital village Chora transforms into the stage as a platform is erected in the town square. This ceremony, which usually lasts about an hour or so, has the Bishop playing or portraying the role of Christ, who washes the feet of twelve monks – in lieu of what the Bible has written of Christ’s actions before his Crucifixion.
The highlight of Easter is followed by the Second Resurrection, which takes place on Easter Sunday, at 3 in the afternoon, at the Patmos Monastery. The Gospel of the Resurrection is read, in seven various languages, and is chanted in heroic hexameters, with a kontio. Red eggs are also distributed by the Abbot to all those in attendance. These Easter ceremonies – which paint all the hustle and bustle in Patmos Island during Easter ends on Easter Tuesday with a solemn procession of the icons in the monastery at Chora.
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