CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN LAGOUVARDA

Situated in the village of Markopoulo 25 kms from Argostoli the church houses the miraculous Virgin's icon, known as 'Lagouvarda'.

The church is built on the site of the old Virgin's Monastery which was destroyed by the Turks. It is said that the nuns escaped from the poisonous snakes when they appeared on the Virgin's icon. Every year between the 6th and 15th August harmless snakes appear miraculously on the venerated Virgin's icon in continuous remembrance of this miracle, proving the continued presence of the Virgin and Her protection to all devout worshipers. Main feastday is 15th August when many small harmless snakes appear all around the church. They are considered to be a prophesy of good luck and locals say they did not appear in the year of the earthquake in 1953. The snakes disappear on the day of the festival after they have visited inside the church and have climbed all over the icons.

Thanks to Peter for allowing me to use the photo
www.imagesofgreece.co.uk