By Nicolas Bard

The Church of Our Lady of Tinos is one of the greatest pilgrimage in Greece, but also the whole world, with crowds of faithful flocking all year long and especially on August 15, to receive the blessing of the Great. It is undoubtedly the most special attraction on the island, which made Tinos known to the ends of the Ecumenical. Around the church the country of the island is growing, while the imposing building with the elaborate bell tower stands out from afar.

Finding the sacred icon of Our Lady kept in the church coincided with the establishment of the modern Greek state. Over the centuries the picture was linked to shocking references and testimonies of numerous miracles that took place. Thus, this miraculous icon was an indication of the redemption of the Virgin Mary and a confirmation of its existence on earth.

The church of Our Lady of Evangelistria in Tinos is dedicated to the sacred icon discovered there in 1823. According to tradition, sister Pelagia, a young nun from the Holy Monastery of Kerovouniou, saw a vision … The Virgin Mary, therefore, appeared in front of her. The legend states that once the image saw the sunlight, a glass cover was created to protect it. The men who scratched the image managed to break it and those who touched it were healed! Among the first visitors who arrived on the island to worship the sacred icon were the heroes of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis, Andreas Miaoulis and Ioannis Makrigiannis.

In the picture, the Virgin Mary is depicted in a prayer attitude, pronounced words from an open book in front of her. Opposite her we see Archangel Gabriel holding a lily in his hands, a symbol of purity, while the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends from heaven. The style of the icon is considered to be older than the Byzantine period and dates back to the early Christian times. Studies related to its origin led to the conclusion that Tinos is the work of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. Today the image is covered with gold and gemstones, which are tributes to the faithful.

The imposing temple of Megalochari was erected shortly after finding the miraculous image. Its construction was completed after eight years, around 1830-1831. The Church is essentially a monastery complex. The excavations carried out there highlighted the existence of a pre -existing temple of the early Byzantine times dedicated to Saint John. However, in the same location, the ancient temple of the god Dionysus is considered to be earlier.

Many specialized craftsmen and talented artists from all over the Greek territory have worked tirelessly to chart the glittering marbles and paint the magnificent interior of the temple. At the same time, gold and silver, generously offered to Theotokos Christians from all over the world, the huge chandeliers and countless candles that form endless rows of light, compose a magnificent monument of Christian art.

Our Lady of Tinos celebrates four days a year: January 30 – the day of finding the miraculous icon, on March 25 – the day of the Annunciation, on July 23 – Agia Pelagia’s vision day and of course on August 15, the day of the Assumption. The whole island of Tinos is “covered” by the unique energy and light of the Virgin Mary, which you will feel from the first moment you step foot on the island.