Lipsi
Population: 790 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Lipsi (Leipsoi) is an island south of Samos and to the north of Leros in Greece. Leipsoi is a small group of 37 islets at the northern part of the Dodecanese near to Patmos island, it has an area of 15.95 sq km (6.16 sq mi).
The island is pretty flat with no large hills or mountains and contains springs at Fountani.
Agriculture is the primary economic source for the inhabitants of Lipsi, in particular, the production of wine, thyme honey and goat cheeses.
Lipsi island has one main town and port, also called Lipsi. It has most amenities and is the centre of the island’s activities. Moschato Bay in the north on this island has been spoilt by fish farming causing the water to be cloudy from fish farm wastage. It is a tiny island and non-touristy. There are several churches and monasteries scattered around the island dedicated to a multitude of saints. These include the church of Aghios Nektarios, built-in or about 1980 by father Nikiforos, the parochial priest of Lipsi at the time and a favourite baptistry for the island’s inhabitants.
The island is well serviced with ferries passing between Patmos and Leros and on the main route for ferries from Athens.
The Island & Its History
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The history of Lipsi is closely related to the history of the neighbouring islands, particularly Patmos.
According to excavations, Lipsi was first inhabited in the prehistoric times. Various inscriptions and vessels have been found as well as a fortified town dating from the 4th century B.C.
During the Byzantine period, in the 11th century, many monks from Patmos came to live on Lipsi and many new monasteries were established.
The main town of Lipsi was founded in 1669 by a Cretan man named Elias. That time many Cretans left Crete, after the Ottoman occupation, and resided in Dodecanese islands. Lipsi was eventually united to Greece in 1948.
In the early 20th century, a large immigration wave started, and many locals left Lipsi migrating to Australia and the USA. These immigrants have always supported their homeland and financed many public works on the island, including the road network and the reconstruction of the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos.
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
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