Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Kalythies

The celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the village of Kalythies takes place in the church dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior. It is a church built between 1870 and 1875 that bears elements of Byzantine architecture. During its erection, a wooden Byzantine cross of unknown creation date, which is preserved to this day, was found at the site. For this reason, the church also celebrates on September 14, the day of celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It is one of the biggest pilgrimages on the island. On the eve of the celebration, a festive vespers is held and then a litany of the icon takes place around the village and the center of the square with the participation of a large number of believers from the surrounding areas and from the rest of the island. To the west of the village and not far from the church, we find the monastery of the all-merciful Virgin [Panagia Eleousa]. Very close to this area, we find the stalactitic cave of Agios Georgios (Saint George) which is one of the oldest Neolithic sites on the island of Rhodes.