A report from Wednesday, March 18, 2026, that is causing awe and deep emotion on the island of Kalymnos has emerged, as the icon of Saint Ephraim of Nea Makri, which is located inside the General Hospital of the island, is said to have exuded myrrh.
The incident was initially noticed by a nurse at the hospital, who immediately informed the administrator, Pantelis Kongas, stating that she observed liquid flowing from the left eye of the icon. The administrator went to the location and verified the event, proceeding to promptly inform the ecclesiastical authorities, namely Protopresbyter Amphilochios Sakalleros and Metropolitan Paisios of Kalymnos, Leros and Astypalaia.
Indeed, the Metropolitan collected the liquid with cotton, which — according to testimonies — emitted a characteristic fragrance, while a Paraklesis service was held and the Apolytikion of Saint Ephraim was chanted. In a brief statement, the Metropolitan approached the event theologically, noting: “The icon is exuding myrrh. A miracle is not subject to investigation, and for us this is a blessing of God.” He further stated that “the mystery is not to be examined, but experienced,” without, however, any official announcement being issued by the Metropolis.
He also emphasized that it is a source of hope and support, especially in a place such as a hospital, where human suffering meets the need for divine intervention.
From the very first moment the event became known, crowds of people have been flocking to the General Hospital of Kalymnos in order to venerate what many believe to be the miraculous icon.
According to Metropolitan Paisios, he had no intention of moving the icon from the hospital.
The incident was initially noticed by a nurse at the hospital, who immediately informed the administrator, Pantelis Kongas, stating that she observed liquid flowing from the left eye of the icon. The administrator went to the location and verified the event, proceeding to promptly inform the ecclesiastical authorities, namely Protopresbyter Amphilochios Sakalleros and Metropolitan Paisios of Kalymnos, Leros and Astypalaia.
Indeed, the Metropolitan collected the liquid with cotton, which — according to testimonies — emitted a characteristic fragrance, while a Paraklesis service was held and the Apolytikion of Saint Ephraim was chanted. In a brief statement, the Metropolitan approached the event theologically, noting: “The icon is exuding myrrh. A miracle is not subject to investigation, and for us this is a blessing of God.” He further stated that “the mystery is not to be examined, but experienced,” without, however, any official announcement being issued by the Metropolis.
He also emphasized that it is a source of hope and support, especially in a place such as a hospital, where human suffering meets the need for divine intervention.
From the very first moment the event became known, crowds of people have been flocking to the General Hospital of Kalymnos in order to venerate what many believe to be the miraculous icon.
According to Metropolitan Paisios, he had no intention of moving the icon from the hospital.
Following the large influx of faithful and in consultation with the hospital administration, it was decided on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the icon would be transferred to the nearby chapel of the Kalymnos Nursing Home. The aim of this decision was to facilitate public access and to avoid disrupting the operation of the hospital.
It should be noted that the icon of Saint Ephraim is a large, wooden, portable icon depicting the Saint in full figure, and it is placed together with other icons of Saints in the prayer area, on the landing (in the old wing) that leads to the upper floor of the hospital.
Particular interest is also drawn by the statements of the iconographer of the icon, the educator Ioannis Iakovos, who created the work in 2012. The icon was commissioned at the expense of Anna Kastrinos and Eleni Gonios and had been placed in the hospital’s prayer area. By Eleni Gonios it was dedicated to the memory of her parents, and by Eleni Kastrinos to the memory of her brother Zacharias Kastrinos and her cousin Gregorios Choulis.
Ioannis Iakovos, in communication he had with Kalymnos News, stated that the icon is made of marine-grade wood, immersed in glue and covered with canvas, emphasizing that there is no issue of moisture coming from the wall. As he characteristically declared, he considers the phenomenon “inexplicable.”
The incident continues to provoke discussion and various interpretations, with the local community following with interest developments surrounding an event that, for many, touches the boundaries of faith and mystery.
Below you can see video and photos of the transfer of the icon from the hospital to the nearby chapel of the Kalymnos Nursing Home.
It should be noted that the icon of Saint Ephraim is a large, wooden, portable icon depicting the Saint in full figure, and it is placed together with other icons of Saints in the prayer area, on the landing (in the old wing) that leads to the upper floor of the hospital.
Particular interest is also drawn by the statements of the iconographer of the icon, the educator Ioannis Iakovos, who created the work in 2012. The icon was commissioned at the expense of Anna Kastrinos and Eleni Gonios and had been placed in the hospital’s prayer area. By Eleni Gonios it was dedicated to the memory of her parents, and by Eleni Kastrinos to the memory of her brother Zacharias Kastrinos and her cousin Gregorios Choulis.
Ioannis Iakovos, in communication he had with Kalymnos News, stated that the icon is made of marine-grade wood, immersed in glue and covered with canvas, emphasizing that there is no issue of moisture coming from the wall. As he characteristically declared, he considers the phenomenon “inexplicable.”
The incident continues to provoke discussion and various interpretations, with the local community following with interest developments surrounding an event that, for many, touches the boundaries of faith and mystery.
Below you can see video and photos of the transfer of the icon from the hospital to the nearby chapel of the Kalymnos Nursing Home.
