Christine Sweeney, TINOS PILGRIMS (DOCO 2026)

Pilgrims have been visiting Tinos Island for centuries to visit the Church of Panagia Evangelstria, the most holiest Church in Greece. August is a particularly busy time as pilgrims celebrate the Dormition of the Panagia, the passing of the Virgin Mary from earthly life, celebrated annually on 15 August. Many pilgrims will make the 800 metre long journey from the port, up the hill to the Church on their hands and knees. Having already been to the Church earlier in the day I'd seen many pilgrims, mostly women slowly making their way up the red carpeted staircase before standing at the entrance doors and filing past the "Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary". A few hours later sitting in the shade of a local cafe, near the port I watched father and daughter arrive with their backpack and ready themselves with knee pads in the midday sun. Kneeling, a few words of encouragement to each other, before blessing themselves, they slowly and deliberately set off up the hill past the cafes, businesses, locals and tourists. A memorable and unique experience to witness and capture

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