Arkoi & Marathi
Population: Arkoi 54 (2001), Marathi 5
ISLAND OVERVIEW
The tiny islands of Arkoi and Marathi are located close to Patmos and are part of the Dodecanese archipelago.
Arkoi is only 7 sq. km and has a small sheltered port for yachts, fishing boats and ferries. Around the port are a few houses and taverns that offer fresh fish, caught by the locals at night. Most inhabitants live close to the main harbour with the rest living scattered around the island on higher ground. The majority of the population find employment in fishing, goat herding or running one of the island’s four tavernas. There are no buses and no roads on Arkoi island, only some tracks with barely any signs.
Only two families live on the island of Marathi. Accommodation and fish tavernas are limited!
Both islands once belonged to the Monastery of Patmos, and the monks built many chapels on them. They both remain remote and quiet even in the high season.
There is ferry service that runs between Samos, Patmos, and Lipsi, that calls at Arki, as well as occasional small ferries to other nearby islands such as Marathi.
To go to Marathi, you have to hire a fishing boat either from Pathos or from Arkoi
The Island & Its History
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Very little history is known about these islands. On Arkoi on the hill overlooking the main harbour are the ruins of an acropolis. On one end of the island, in Samos’s direction, is what is referred to as the ‘Italian jail’. Villagers say it was used during World War II as a prison by the Italian army, since from 1912 to 1943 the island was part of the Italian Dodecanese. There is also a cave, which contains several stalactite and stalagmite formations. However, the cave is difficult to find as the land around it is covered by olive trees and bushes.
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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