The Virgin Mary of Thieves
The church of the Virgin Mary of Thieves
The small church of the Virgin Mary was probably built in the 16th century. The pirates worshipped her with a devotion that combined the dishonesty of their profession with the superstition expected from those who face danger on a daily basis. They worshipped her under the appellation of Panagia Kleftrina (Virgin Mary of Thieves) and decorated her chapel with silver shrines and crystal chandeliers. They offered her one-tenth of their profits and called upon her to intervene with God to forgive their sins. Some of the priests were actively involved in piracy and the whole community seemed intent to enlist the Mother of God as an accomplish to their evil deeds.
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The pirate kingdom of Gramvousa
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