Introducion

Abstract

Lipsi forms part of the Dodecanese insular complex in South East Aegean Sea (see figure 0.1);¹ the name refers to the largest island among a group of islets that all cover 17.35 sq. km.² In terms of ecclesiastical administration it belongs to the Patriarchal Exarchate of Patmos (along with the islands of Agathonissi and Arkioi), which is “under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople.”³ The official population of the island, which also forms a municipality, is currently 790 permanent residents (2011 Census), against 698 ten years earlier (2001 Census),⁴ most of whom live in the single settlement, Chorió (the village), where the entire social life of the island is assembled in the winter months (see figure 0.3 and 0.4).⁵