The Church of the Pammegistown Taxiarchs in Milies

The fresco with the Zodiac Circle in the church of the Taxiarchs, beyond being a representation of time, is also the "circle of life" of man or the "wheel" if you prefer, also known as the "wheel of fortune" or "Rota Fortunae". The creator of the fresco is considered to be an unknown Athonite monk, who painted the church for 33 years. The entire scene is inscribed as: "The Vain Life of the Deceptive World". The wheel is divided into three concentric circles, in the center is depicted the Vain World in the form of a crowned earthly king seated on a royal throne.

In the second inner circle the four seasons of the year are depicted with anthropomorphic characters. Spring at the top is represented by a beautiful seated youth, who plays his lyre carefree. Summer is illuminated by a bright sun that compels the young harvester to wear a hat! In Autumn a middle-aged man is depicted together with lambs and a shepherd's staff, while "Chymon" (winter) has the form of an elderly man dressed in fur who stretches his hands towards the fire.

In the third inner circle are illustrated and named the twelve zodiac signs with their corresponding months, with a slight deviation from the astronomical scientific zodiac circle. On the outer side and around the Wheel's circle there are seven male figures in various poses, corresponding to the evolutionary phases of human life.

Corresponding inscriptions define the course and psychology of each age. A young man climbs: "turn, oh time, in haste so that I may ascend quickly", to reach the top of the wheel: "Behold I have come near to sit on the throne", to sit on the earthly throne of power and glory and say: "who exists like me or who is superior to me", while the countdown continues to old age: "How you deceived me, the wretched one, oh world".

Besides the "Zodiac Circle" in the Holy Church of the Pammegistown Taxiarchs of Milies (as is its "official" name), you will see frescoes of 300 saints! Beyond the church's history, however, another great surprise awaits you, its very special acoustics! 48 inverted jars in the ceiling and 5 communicating wells in the floor, function in coordination as a giant speaker!

At the Taxiarchs, on May 7, 1821 the great Teacher of the Nation, Anthimos Gazis raised the banner of revolution, giving the church the designation "Holy Lavra of Pelion". The flag that was raised that day is displayed today in the Public Library of Milies.