Patmos Patmian Ecclesiastic School

Location: Chora

The Patmiada Scholi (Patmian School) is located about 500 meters north of Chora, near the Cave of the Apocalypse. Also referred to as the General School of the Nation, its foundation is considered by many the most important event to take place on the island during the 18th century. The school was founded by Makarios Kalogeras in 1713 though the first efforts were made by the metropolitan bishop Grigorios.

Makarios Kalogeras studied theology and philosophy in the patriarchal school of Constantinople. Later in his life, he was appointed the successor of the bishop of Nicomedia. However, the teacher inside Makarios craved to teach, leading him to return to Patmos and create the school. He was known as the deacon monk of the island, having played an important role during the Ottoman occupation of the nation. The founder of the school was an example for the eager students who, in their thirst for knowledge, came from all over the world, including the Peloponnese, Athens, Bucharest, Asia Minor, and Russia.

The school became popular due to many of its famous professors and students who went on to become prominent men in Greek history. Makarios received advice and support from great teachers of his time and of special mention here are Emmanuel Xanthos and Emmanuel Ypsilantis. The increased popularity of the school saw its size growing to accommodate the increased number of students.

When Makarios passed away in 1737, his pupil Jerome the Byzantine continued the mission of his teacher. However, the school saw difficult days ahead, and in 1907, it was transferred to Samos due to a lack of financial contributors. The activities of the school were closed down up until the liberation of Patmos in 1947, when some generous donations aided the funding of its new buildings, constructed a few meters above its ancient location.

The Patmian Ecclesiastic School has been operating continuously since its reopening, with a focus on the primary and secondary education. The school still reveres its founder as an honest, educated, wise, and virtuous man of the orthodoxy who directed the nation's attention to increase knowledge and spread faith in education.