MESSE À LA CAVE DE SAINT-JEAN

The inhabitants of Iraklia leave the village of Panaghia in a procession and go to the cellar of Saint John where an annual mass is celebrated. The faithful begin early in the day, carrying the icon of the saint from the church where it is kept to the cave, bringing with them food for a picnic under the trees near the entrance of the cave. The cave is illuminated with candles for the occasion and this gives rise to great festivities. The cave is accessible on foot, by two routes. Starting from the village of Panagia, the hike takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.