The church Panagia Charou (Virgin Mary of Death) is just 1 kilometer from the Lipsi village.

It takes its name from the homonymous icon that is hosted inside the temple. It is the only icon around the world depicting Virgin Mary holding not the Holy Child, but the Crucified Christ. The dead Jesus, associated conceptually with the Grim Reaper, gave the church the name Panagia Charou (Virgin Mary of Death).

The monastery was built in 1600 by two monks who had come from Patmos. Today from the Virgin Mary of Death monastery one can only see the preserved church, which is Byzantine and worth a visit, if only to see a unique whole world icon.

Panagia Charou (Virgin Mary of Death) has connected its name with the so-called "miracle of the lilies". According to it, on April 1943 a girl placed some lilies upon the icon of the Virgin Mary, which --as expected-- withered. But suddenly in July, the withered lilies began to turn green and until August 23, the novena of Virgin Mary, they had acquired new flowers.

So, on August 23, the entire island and many visitors honor Panagia Charou (Virgin Mary of Death) in a spectacular feast full of dancing, singing, eating and drinking. If you happen to be at Lipsi, do not miss it!