Patmos Monastery of Panagia Koumana

Location: Skala

The lovely Monastery of Panagia Koumana stands atop the homonymous hill of Koumana, about 2 km northeast of the port of Skala. The monastery was established in 1782 by Saint Makarios Notara, a Corinthian Bishop with permission from the Brotherhood of the Monastery of Saint John.

Saint Makarios was exiled to Patmos due to suspicions of his involvement in the Greek Revolution. He was known for having copied many manuscripts and codes and is credited with writing a significant part of the Filokalia, a collection of texts written by spiritual masters of the Orthodoxy.

Today the monastery lies among a lush green expanse, distinguished by its bell tower with multiple bells. The area offers a beautiful panoramic view of the island and the nearby settlement of Skala, as well as the Aegean Sea. The crowning jewel of the monastery is undoubtedly the icon of the Virgin Mary, said to have miraculous abilities.

Panagia Koumana performs weddings, baptisms, and religious festivals and celebrates on the 17th of April, the day of remembrance of St. Makarios. It also celebrates on the 23rd of August, the ninth day after the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.