THE LEGEND OF THE EVIL BEE

For many centuries, the Aegean islands suffered from the scourge of pirate raids. This was especially true for Kythera, which was always the bone of contention, due to its position, caught between the powers seeking to dominate the region. Many times the island was deserted for long periods due to this situation. The fear caused by these tragic events has survived to this day, through legends about the actions of pirates on the island.

The only hope and consolation people had was their faith. This is evident in the hundreds of churches scattered across the island, and in the special relationship the people of Kythera have with the Virgin Mary, whom they regard as their protector. They credit her with many miracles through which she saved the island from difficult times, including pirate invasions.

Beekeeping has been developed in Kythera since antiquity, with pioneering hives and innovations. One of the miracles of the Virgin Mary, in fact, involves bees—creatures that the people of Kythera consider a divine gift to their island. South of the village of Livadi, there is an old, small monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary "of the Evil Bee" (Panagia stin Kakí Mélissa). It was a women's monastery, home to a small number of nuns.

According to tradition, when pirates landed on the island, they attacked the monastery as well. The nuns, who at that time were inside the church chanting the Matins service, continued praying and singing hymns to the Virgin Mary. Frightened by the shouting of the pirates and the pounding on the door, they intensified their prayers and hymns even more.

Suddenly, the noise began to fade away. When everything finally seemed calm, they exited the church and were faced with a strange sight: around thirty savage men were lying in the courtyard, writhing and groaning. The abbess ordered the nuns to run and help them. The pirates' faces were swollen, their eyes shut—unable to open. A swarm of bees had attacked them with brutal force. After some time, they began to recover one by one.

The last to rise was the leader of the Algerians, the most brutal of them all—disfigured, swollen, and nearly blind. He walked toward the church and, taking off his sandals, left them outside the door. His men followed suit. They approached the icon of the Virgin Mary and knelt. These same men, who just moments before were the beasts of the black flag, were now calm and humble like small children. They opened their pouches and emptied them before the icon. As he left the church, the pirate leader cried out, addressing the Virgin Mary:

"I saw you! You sent the bees to blind us. But you did right. So, you are the evil bee!"

From the contents of their pouches, the silver covering (poukamiso) of the icon was crafted. And from the pirate leader's words, the monastery took its name: Panagia stin Kaki Melissa (Virgin Mary of the Evil Bee"). The feast day is celebrated every year on February 2nd.

Source: Kytherian Yearbook 1913, retold by Ioannis Protopsaltis