Elafonisos
Population: 1,041 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
The island of Elafonisos is a relatively isolated and small island, it sits near the Southernmost tip of the Peloponnese, just above the island of Kythira. It is 4 n.m. from the port of Neapolis, and only a short ferry ride from Pounta Harbour on the mainland. The island covers an area of 18 km2 and has a coastline of 26 km.
Elafonissos is the only town on the island. The town consists of the port, a few small hotels and b&b’s and a handful of local shops and Greek taverns. The pretty little fishing village is very popular with Greeks who travel over from the mainland for fish lunches throughout the summer months. Tourist accommodations are few, and it is a place for quiet vacations, far from modern life. The island is surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters that are rich in fish.
Local ferries connect the island with the mainland (15 min), many times a day, whilst larger ferries link the island to the port of Piraeus.
The Island & Its History
The island although quite unknown, has a history of about 5,000 years, evidenced by prehistoric findings. During the Peloponnesian War it was a battle field between the Athenians and the Spartans, as the former had fortified the isthmus that connected at that time the island with Pounta. From 1839 until 1850 it belonged to the British. The isthmus or small strip of land connected the island to the mainland until 1677, until then Elafonisos did not constitute an island but a peninsula with the name “Onou Gnathos” (Donkey’s Jawbone).
The old causeway is only a few feet underwater which is why the sea has the remarkably alluring color that makes you want to leap off the ferry boat.
Just off the coast of Elafonissos lies the archaeological site of Pavlopetri, a sunken city dating back to the early 3rd millennium BC and thought to have been claimed by the sea around 1000 BC.
RELIGION
The main church of the community is Agios Spyridon, which is built on a tiny separate piece of land connected by a bridge over shallow waters to the rest of the island.
Most of the saints are honoured on this island, and the Orthodox Church is highly respected.
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!
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