Syros
Population: 21,507 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Located 78 nautical miles (144 km) south-east of Athens. The island covers an area of about 32 square miles.
The largest towns are Ermoupoli (the capital, of the island and of the Cyclades), Ano Syros, and Vari [el]. Ermoupoli has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century, it was even more significant than Piraeus.
As in the rest of Greece, Syros has Eastern Orthodox churches. However, there is also an equal number of Catholic Church buildings on the island and some entirely Catholic villages, making it one of the most significant places for the Catholic Church in Greece with around 9000 worshippers.
Syros is one of a few places where Catholics and Orthodox share a common date for Easter.
A small domestic airport provides flights to Athens and ferries to Athens take around 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
The Island & Its History
click image to view in Google Maps
A settlement on Syros goes back till at least 5,000 years ago.
At the end of ancient times, barbarian raids and piracy, led Syros to decline. The island was devastated several times during the Middle Ages by raiders from different directions including Sicilians, Arabs, Turks and Venetians.
Due to its crucial geographical position, Syros became known as a maritime way-point.
Since 1830 fabrics, silk, shipbuilding, leather and iron were developed on Syros then in 1834 it became part of the Greek Kingdom, and the island returned to peace and tranquillity.
However, in 1854 cholera and a series of other epidemics plunged Syros into mourning.
Due to its large port of Ermoupoli, it turned into a major centre for shipbuilding and refitting. Neorion was the first shipyard of Greece and, to this day, it remains a place where many ships are serviced and refitted.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
By completing this form, I consent to receive content from Broad Reach Maritime in accordance with our Privacy Policy.