CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION. It is one the most important Orthodox pilgrimage sites in Greece. The discovery of the image of Virgin Mary in 1823, in a field just above the initial church of Zoodochos Pigi, concluded to the erection of the great pilgrimage of Virgin Mary, in the city of Tinos. According to tradition, a nun, now St Pelagia, received visions from the Virgin instructing her where to find the icon. From the start it was said to have healing powers and the timing of its discovery has also inextricably linked it with the rebirth of the Greek nation, thus encouraging mass pilgrimage. Till now, thousands of pilgrims believe in the miracles of Virgin Mary of Tinos and seek healing by visiting the church all year round -and especially in August the 15th.
The church is made of marble and many residents contributed to its building by personal work and money offers. The image depicts Virgin Mary kneeling with her head bowed, in front of a low lectern and it is almost obscured by precious jewels. Hundreds of silver lamps hang from the ceiling, each dangling a votive offering: a ship, a cradle, a heart, a pair of lungs, a chainsaw. Beneath the church is a baptistery comprising three interconnected vaulted chapels, marking the site where the famous icon was discovered. The complex also features several Museums (see the Culture section).
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