We lifted anchor from Pedhi bay and motored the 12 N miles in flat calm seas and 5 knots of wind to Panormitis bay on the south east tip of Simi.

 

We entered through the small entrance into the lovely horseshoe shaped bay which is dominated by the only buildings of the Monastery of Moni Taxiarchi Michail Panormiti.

The monastery has developed over the past 200 years and centres around a small Byzantine chapel which houses the icon of and is dedicated to the archangel Michael.

St Michael is the patron saint and guardian of Sailors and Seafarers, many of whom, from around the world make a pilgrimage to the church and so we decided to visit.

 

It is said that St Michael will ‘watch over’ sailors if you ask a favour, but first, by tradition you should leave an offering.  Over the centuries, it is said, that bottles containing prayers and offerings have miraculously floated into Panormitis bay from sailors all over the world.  These plus model boats, wax dolls, valuable carved ivory and bounty gifted from ships are stored in the monastery, some of which are on show in the small courtyard museum.

In the church the painted and silver covered icon of St Michael is adorned with 200 years of precious stones, jewellery and gold miniature ships.

 

Today people leave silver- coloured embossed prayer cards with images of men, women, children etc.  We decided that we needed to leave something from on board Tioram.

We chose a small snap- shackle which has been on the boat since the Hamble river, Uk and has now sailed 12,000 N miles.

So we attached a ribbon and tied it to the offering rail below the icon. We lit a candle and asked the favour of St Michael to look after Tioram, Tina, Tony and all who sail on her.

Despite us not being religious people---- it was a special moment.

 

Photos of------

Panormitis bay arriving

The Monastery

The courtyard

The Byzantine Church /interior

Tiorams’s snap shackle offering---blurred—but central blue ribbon

Lighting a candle for Tioram and all who sail on her.

Mosaic of St Michael

The museum,------Messages in bottles, boats, wax dolls,  stuffed crocodiles  etc.

Local fisherman—Tioram behind

The monastery steps

 

Love to all

 

Tina and Tony x x x