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The Greek island of Tinos is home to over a thousand private, whitewashed stone chapels, a centuries-old tradition where families own and care for these diminutive churches.
These chapels, often with miniature bell towers, are maintained by everyone from octogenarians to goat farmers, representing a shared dedication to preserving a custom passed down through generations.
This tradition is intertwined with community and faith, culminating in a liturgical celebration called 'panigiri' on the feast day of the honored saint.
The practice dates back centuries, with origins in land rights granted to farmers by Venetians and later Ottomans.
Many chapels were also built by sailors' families as vows for safe passage, for deceased family members, or in honor of the Virgin Mary, a significant religious figure on the island.
Despite growing secularization across Europe, families like the Krikellis and Levantis are committed to keeping the tradition alive.
These chapels are often left open for pilgrims, creating a sense of community and shared spiritual space.
The tradition reinforces family bonds, with relatives traveling from abroad to participate in the 'panigiri.' For many, like Romanos Vasilopoulos, the chapels offer a sense of serenity and a connection to history, while others, like Nikos Levantis, feel a closer connection to God in these personal sacred spaces.
The custom not only preserves history but also serves as a tool for evangelization, bringing people together through shared cultural and religious experiences.