Visit to Mount Athos

[Vlad Benea]

With the help of God, on 24th this month, I will go to the Holy Mount. I would like to ask you people if anyone has any "tips", what to visit, how should I do it, etc.

In Christ,
Vlad

[Owen Jones]

Dear Vlad,

The only Athonite I know is an American at Vatopeidi. A very solid person. And from what he said, I gather that it is a very solid monastery, worth visiting. But they may not let you leave!

[Vlad Benea]

Leave home or leave the monastery? If it's home they wouldn't let me leave, then I hope they will, cause I have all the papers. If it's monastery they wouldn't let me leave, I'm afraid I'm not for monastic life.

Thank you Owen,
Vlad

[M.C. Steenberg]

Vlad, if you are at all able, try to get to the holy monastery of Simonopetra while you are on the Mountain. The community of monks in this monastery is truly wonderful, and few people ever leave that place unmoved.

Since you speak English, ask to speak with Fr Iakovos or Fr Makarios, who both love to tell the story of monasticism at Simonopetra.

XB, Matthew

[Vlad Benea]

Thank you Matthew. I have read Father's Makarios "Explained Triodion", which I found to be a great book. But I don't know if I'll have the dareness (don't know the English word) to go talk to him in person. I am rather a shy person. God knows, though, what will happen. I think I'll be able to visit all (or most) of the monasteries, as I'm expected there by a Romanian Fr., who has a car.

Thank you again,
Vlad

[Andonis Saridopoulos]

i am really keen on getting to Mount Athos very soon. i feel i need to remove myself from my daily life, in order to confess and seek true repentance and i can think of no better place. i was just wandering what kind of papers, forms need to be completed in order to go, how long can one stay etc, etc? can someone direct me?

[Stephen Keeler]

Here's the process as I recall from 17 years ago.

1. Find out if your spiritual father, pastor or bishop has a community or person on Mt. Athos whom they would recommend you visit. Abbot Basil on Stavronikita was my contact, and he may still be there.

2. Even if 1 is not possible, write a letter to the Head House. There should be instructions on the Web somewhere.

3. Get a letter from your diocesan chancery affirming that you are an Orthodox Christian in good standing, with your bishop's seal, asking them to accept you. This will allow you to stay longer on a visitation visa, if you will, and follows the canonical chain from you to the abbott. For example, I was a member at the time of the Japanese Orthodox Church, so my letter of introduction was directed to the abbott of the Russikon, as the Russian Orthodox Church is the mother of the JOC. Non-Orthodox are welcome, but generally can't stay as long on a regular visit visa.

4. Visitor flow to Mt. Athos is administered by the Church in conjunction with the gov't of Greece (hey, it's a tourist destination, and that's big in Greece.) You will need to get a visitor pass or visa in Thessalonkia, presenting to the office there your passport and letters.

5. Once stamped, you will need to take a bus to the port through which most traffic to and from Greece and the peninsula occurs. Then you get a boat to Mt. Athos. Walk up to the Head House, and thence to particular monastery, best before dusk. Hence, travel is generally two days from your arrival in Saloniki.

Simonapetra and Gregoriou were at that time the two monasteries with the greatest growth and dynamism, and to which the other monasteries deferred as having the brighest bulbs, the Russikon the most interesting from an architectural and general sort of cool organic decay perspective, Stavronikita homey with a strong relationship to local Greeks, Iveron a step back, way back, in time, Skete Prophet Elias, then ROCOR affiliated, with the best incense.

Some old, fond memories. Thanks.

[Effie Ganatsios]

Reply to Andonis post no. 19

Andoni, I wrote a reply to your last message on the Sin and Repentance thread.

Do you know that women are not allowed to visit Mt. Athos???????? Now, that is something I would like to discuss.

My cousin is a monk at one of the monasteries there and he seems to be very content. Visiting Mt. Athos cannot do you anything but good. Some of our friends go regularly - once every one or two years. There was an exhibition a couple of years ago in Thessaloniki of many of the icons and other artifacts from some of the monasteries on Mt. Athos. I intended to go but unfortunately never got around to it.

Hope you manage to visit.

Effie

[Richard McBride]

Dear Beloved of God, Adonis:

I notice that Mount Athos has a new web page (new at least to the one I had), and if you have not tried it, you can communicate with them; otherwise, I notice that Stephen has filled many blanks of the process for you; here is the new URL:

http://www.medialab.ntua.gr/athos.html

richard mcb

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear all,

The Mount Athos Area (http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/athos/index.shtml) on this website contains a fair amount of information on the Holy Mountain. These resources include a relatively detailed set of instructions on the procedures for visiting the Holy Mountain (http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/athos/visiting_athos.shtml).

INXC, Matthew

[Wallace Justin Miller]

I posted under the wrong topic, it seems. I should have looked here. If anyone can help, I need help calling the Pilgrim's Office in Thessaloniki. I have the number (the city code has been changed) and I try to call, but I always get a busy signal or a recording that says something about the number not being in service. The numbers I have are:

011-30-031-861-611 (the first number, before I found out about the new city code for Thess.)

011-30-2310-861-611 (the one I have now).

I really need to call this place soon, to set up a reservation in the quota. Can anyone help me out with times to call (I'm on the west coast of the USA) or maybe a better number? I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

[Judy Kettenhofen]

There are some numbers on this page that might be helpful.
http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/Athos/visiting.html

For Thessaloniki, the number given is
30(0)31 833 733
It also has a number for Ouranoupolis:
30(0)31 833 733

I had thought I had read something recently which said that the the Pilgrim Office had been moved to Ouranoupolis. But I'm surprised that Friends of Mt. Athos doesn't have a current number!

God Bless you on your journeys, and if this helps, say some prayers for me up on the Mountain, where I will never be able to go (being female).

In Christ,

heart

[demetrios karaolanis]

I would like to know what karoulia is like, if anyone has ever been there. I can only find very brief descriptions in any book.

[John Wilson]

Demetrios, I can only give you a link from the site Judy mentioned above which also gives a brief description http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/Athos/monasteries.html

Click on Hesychasterion, the last link under Other Dwellings.

As far as I know, the pilgrim office is still in Thessaloniki, up on Egnatia St. A word of advice though. There are strict limits on the number of visitors who can enter each day via the normal channels and you may find that those quotas have been filled over the days you are able to get to Greece. Do not despair though. If you know someone who can contact the Geronta at one of the Monasteries or Sketes directly, they may be able to arrange for you to visit at that monk's invitation, in which case you will bypass a lot of the necessary red tape and you will be able to stay for longer.

[John Wilson]

Judy, I don't know if you intend visiting Greece, but there is a women's monastery at Ormylia in Halkidiki (not far from Ouranoupoli) where you would be able to stay. The sister's there have developed a strong ministry towards visitors plus a good many of them speak English fluently. Sister Prosdokia is a Cypriate who grew up in England for example or Sister Damiani, who was a doctor in Sydney, Australia before entering the monastery (along with most of her family I might add. Her mother is also a sister at the same monastery, and her father and a brother are monks on Mt. Athos). The monastery at Ormylia is currently home to approximately 100 nuns.

[demetrios karaolanis]

thank's for the link john it was just what I wanted. a pilgrimage to some of the sketes (maybe not karoulia) is what I have always thought of.

[John Wilson]

You are most welcome Demetri. I personally have only stayed at one skete (Agios Panteleimonas, near Koutloumousiou Monastery) on my visits to Agion Oros. Thus I can't speak for the monasteries although I believe that you are required to take part in most of the activities while staying at one. The sketes are generally a lot more relaxed about this though that may vary from skete to skete.

[demetrios karaolanis]

I think that the sketes are a place filled with a deep sense of asceticism, not that the monasteries are not, but I would find a deep sense of isolation there. I have always enjoyed studying the sketes or sketae I think it would be wonderful to visit one. I think it could change a person's life to see such a deeply devout comunity at work

[Herman F Bansmer]

Reference is made to the following site, maintained by Prof. Allison on behalf of The Friends of Mt. Athos:
http://abacus.bates.edu/~rallison/friends/

[Andonis]

i am finally here in this blessed orthodox nation called Greece. the sun shines so bright every day, that it feels as if i am bearing witness to God's smile every day. i must admit that i've been anything but spiritual ever since i got here, eating and drinking too much with all the relations. still somewhat recovering from jet lag. am planning to be on mount athos in approximately three weeks. am attending my first divine liturgy on Greek soil this Sunday. sorry to bore you with all this, just wanted to share my excitement. will keep you posted re any spiritual developments.

God bless
Andonis.

[cale]

Its not boring, its really good to hear from you.

Keeps us posted and pray for us.

[John Wilson]

Welcome to Greece Andonis!

If possible could you send me an email so we can keep in touch. You've probably noticed from other posts that I'm hoping to rope you in on a trip to visit Effie at Kozani. Alas Effie is no longer online for the time being so we'll have to keep in touch by phone.

Which particular part of Greece are you in at the moment?

John.

[Andonis]

Hi John,
i sent you a private email with my mobile phone number, not sure if you received it. i should be in the north of Greece about 10th of July. hopefully we can get in touch..

Andonis

[John Wilson]

Thanks Andonis, I got it. I'll try to give you a call in the afternoon.

John

[Thomas Ilich]

Has anyone else read this?

"ENCOUNTERING THE HOLY MOUNTAIN: A Pilgrim's Diary"

http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/athos/encountering_athos.shtml

It seems like it would interest some people here.

[Albert Hein]

With the help of God, on 24th this month, I will go to the Holy Mount. I would like to ask you people if anyone has any "tips", what to visit, how should I do it, etc.

In Christ,
Vlad

I also want to go to Athos and/or Saint Catherines Monastery. How much does it cost? Can an English speaking American go there and survive? Thanks.

Albert

[Nina]

I also want to go to Athos and/or Saint Catherines Monastery. How much does it cost? Can an English speaking American go there and survive? Thanks.

Albert

:) Do not worry there are many here who can guide you but also there are some threads here about it.

Also our brother in Christ from here Paul Cowan is going in Mount Athos in 19 days (right, Paul?) and he can tell you more from first-hand experience. Most of the world speaks English today, and in Mount Athos there are monks who were born in English speaking countries.

Have a blessed time planing for your wish-trip!

[Paul Cowan]

:) Do not worry there are many here who can guide you but also there are some threads here about it.

Also our brother in Christ from here Paul Cowan is going in Mount Athos in 19 days (right, Paul?) and he can tell you more from first-hand experience. Most of the world speaks English today, and in Mount Athos there are monks who were born in English speaking countries.

Have a blessed time planing for your wish-trip!

Well no actually, 17 days 16 hours and 28 minutes. give or take a few seconds :p

[Nicolaj]

As you are travelling to Mt. Athos, have you the address of the Monastery of Vatopediou? Can you send it me via PM or here? Or perhaps you can tell me where to find the postal addresses of the monasteries on the Holy Mountain?

Would be a great help! Thanks, Nicolaj

[Paul Cowan]

As you are travelling to Mt. Athos, have you the address of the Monastery of Vatopediou? Can you send it me via PM or here? Or perhaps you can tell me where to find the postal addresses of the monasteries on the Holy Mountain?

Would be a great help! Thanks, Nicolaj

Dear Nicolaj,

I will see if I can get them before I go. If not, I will ask while I am in Karyes for you.

[Nicolaj]

Very kind of you, but intensive web research did it! I got the addresses and this weekend I will write a lot of letters!

Wish you a blessed journey to Athos! Remember me and us all when there in your prayers!

Nicolaj

[Effie Ganatsios]

I also want to go to Athos and/or Saint Catherines Monastery. How much does it cost? Can an English speaking American go there and survive? Thanks.

Albert

Albert, are you referring to St. Catherine Monastery in Sinai? Why wouldn't an English speaking American survive? There are translators that will help you. I know that many groups from Greece visit this fascinating place each year. A visit to this monastery and to Jerusalem is something my husband and I want have always wanted to do. We will, if God wants us to.


Hope you make it there. People who have visited have told me that it is an experience they will never forget. Don't forget to take small presents with you both for the monastery and for the very poor people who live in the region. I was told a small bottle of olive oil is suitable for the monastery and tiny packets of lollies or biscuits are always welcome by the Arab children.

The monks give visitors a small packet of a herb from their mountain that is very effective for those who have diabetes.

Effie

[Paul Cowan]

It is 2:45 am and my plane leaves in 13 1/2 hours for Thessaloniki and then on to Mount Athos. I am dead tired, yet can't sleep. I also can't seem to get my suitcase to close. I THINK I have everything I could need while there. The biggest problem I have had and I will try again tonight is to reach the Boat house and the Monasteries I would like to visit. I can't get through. I have contacted The Office and they gave me the same phone numbers I have been trying to use.

What makes it more difficult is for me to reach someone within their window of opportunity, I have to stay up from between 2:00am-6:00am to reach them. Then I still have to go to work the next morning. OK, so I am whining.

Many of you have asked me for prayers or to light candles. I will. Effie has a cousin I will try to visit. Not that I will be able to get back online before I leave to get this answer, but if I only get 4 days and the next boat going TO Daphne is under quota, will they allow me another 4 days?

Pray for me God's will be done while I am there.
THE worst of sinners
Paul

[Anna K.]

Praying for you Paul, God bless your whole trip and everything that you do and meet there!

In Christ
Anna K

[Nina]

Praying for you Paul, God bless your whole trip and everything that you do and meet there!

In Christ
Anna K

Amen! Dear Paul as Anna and many here pray may you have a blessed trip!!! And of course you will have it blessed by Christ because you are honoring His Holy Mother, and by Panagia who is the Protectress of her Holy Garden! We are so proud of you! Thank God for you because you are just 5 years Orthodox and already paying honors to Christ and Panagia with this pilgrimage!

[Fr Dcn Gregory Edwards]

I am fortunate enough to currently live in Thessaloniki. Several of us have put together an informational site for visiting Thessaloniki and the Holy Mountain. I think you will find that it contains some good, practical information: http://thessaloniki.pbwiki.com/Main

[Paul Cowan]

Thanks for the site Fr. Dcn. I wish I had found you before I went. I ended up paying 60 Euros a night at the Hotel Apollo near the airport. I suppose that should have been the giveaway.

Paul

[Nina]

Serendipitously I found this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/makednos/2117315629/) picture from Athos.

[Nektarios]

I am starting to save money to make a trip to the Holy Mountain, I want to go during the cheapest part of the year. How much money does it take to pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain?

In Christ
Nektarios

[Paul Cowan]

The boat, diamontarion and hotels before and after are the only expenses you will have. There is NO fee for anything once on the Mountain unless you want to buy souvenirs. But it is polite to offer a gift of respect and appreciation anonymously as they will not take it out-right. I put mine in the candle money box. Though you are not required to buy the candles either. Don't be stingy with what gave you. He is giving you His best while you are there.

paul

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

I am starting to save money to make a trip to the Holy Mountain, I want to go during the cheapest part of the year. How much money does it take to pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain?

In Christ
Nektarios

Head for Thessaloniki first. From there you get a bus that takes you to Ouranopolis. Then by boat to Daphni and Karyes where you get your papers. Both times that I visited the Holy Mt and we were leaving from N America we flew first to Athens, then a local flight up to Thessaloniki. Maybe though nowadays you can get more direct flights to Thessaloniki?

But for the adventurous- the first time I went to the Holy Mt, I flew to Paris from Montreal; and then train from Paris to Thessaloniki. This was an amazing journey through France, Italy and all of the Yugoslavia of that time. One thing this did for me since I had never been outside of N America before is it helped me adjust to Europe and especially south eastern Europe (the Balkans) before I got to Greece.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[David R.]

There is NO fee for anything once on the Mountain unless you want to buy souvenirs.

Paul,

Do all of the monasteries sell souvenirs? Other than icons, what do they sell?

Thanks!

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Head for Thessaloniki first. From there you get a bus that takes you to Ouranopolis. Then by boat to Daphni and Karyes where you get your papers. Both times that I visited the Holy Mt and we were leaving from N America we flew first to Athens, then a local flight up to Thessaloniki. Maybe though nowadays you can get more direct flights to Thessaloniki?

But for the adventurous- the first time I went to the Holy Mt, I flew to Paris from Montreal; and then train from Paris to Thessaloniki. This was an amazing journey through France, Italy and all of the Yugoslavia of that time. One thing this did for me since I had never been outside of N America before is it helped me adjust to Europe and especially south eastern Europe (the Balkans) before I got to Greece.

In Christ- Fr Raphael
PS: also take on Paul's advice. He's been there a lot more recently than I have.

[Matthew]

But for the adventurous- the first time I went to the Holy Mt, I flew to Paris from Montreal; and then train from Paris to Thessaloniki. This was an amazing journey through France, Italy and all of the Yugoslavia of that time. One thing this did for me since I had never been outside of N America before is it helped me adjust to Europe and especially south eastern Europe (the Balkans) before I got to Greece.

That sounds like the proper way to do it!


I am starting to save money to make a trip to the Holy Mountain, I want to go during the cheapest part of the year. How much money does it take to pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain?

The biggest expense, by far, is getting from the USA to Athens. From there you can take an inexpensive flight on Aegean Air to Thessoloniki; check en.aegeanair.com for prices. You then need to get a bus from Thessoliniki to Ouranopolis, and follow what Fr Raphael described above about getting on a boat and finding Karyes to get your papers.

Also, don't forget to look for and visit a local monastery you might already have surprisingly close to you!

[Paul Cowan]

Paul,

Do all of the monasteries sell souvenirs? Other than icons, what do they sell?

Thanks!

No, or at least not that I saw. I don't speak Greek or anything other than hillbilly so I could not talk to too many people. I had time for services and walking and that was about it. The only 2 I went to that did have items for sale was Iveron and St. Panteleimon. Both had VERY nice items for sale and I could have spent my annual salary in either of their bookstores.

Daphne and Karyes also have items for sale, but to me these were rather on the "cheap" (if I can get away with that) side of what I saw in the other places. Of course Ournapoulis was the typical tourist trap.

Icons were everywhere, as well as prayer ropes, wine, wood art, monastic garb, wine, candles, trinkets of all kinds, wine, books and papers, parchments, wine, jewelry, wine. I really recommend you buy some wine. I bought my wife a very nice (old looking) silver 3 bar cross on a necklace. I bought my mom a piece of wood cut on a slant with a hole in its side. It can't stand alone, but if you stick a wine bottle in the hole, it stands like magic. I bought my priests a bottle of wine each.

I figured how much it would have cost if they charged for food and bed and spent about that much in alms and buying "stuff".

Paul

[Niko T.]

I did remember hearing that there is no way to get more money once you are on Mount Athos (there is an ATM in Karyes, but it is often broken), so I would recommend bringing more that you think you will need, just in case you feel extra generous, or in case you need to take a couple of extra boat or minibus trips (the latter of which can be very expensive, depending on how many people you split them with)...

[Vasilian]

But attention Fr. Raphael and others, the papers you will get at Ouranoupolis (not at Karies)! See for detailed information: http://athos.web-log.nl/athos_agios_...out-athos.html and http://thessaloniki.pbworks.com/w/pa...Visiting-Athos full of usefull information.
Vasílis

[Paul Cowan]

But even before you get to Ouranoupolis you have to reserve your place at "The Office" in Thessaloniki. Then only can you go to Ouranoupolis to get your papers.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

As Paul says I got my paper at the church office in Thessaloniki to visit the Holy Mt. That's where the cleric looked through a big book to check that the church I was with was canonical. Then you got on the bus and went to Ouranopolis. Then in Ouranopolis you caught the boat to Daphne. Then you got the bus up to Karyes where they gave you a paper granting permission to remain on the Holy Mt for a certain period of time.

At least this is what they did in 1991.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Paul Cowan]

The Holy Mountain is timeless Fr.

Not much changes except for the addition of roads and too many taxis! Oh yeah and the disguised Byzantine style building housing the cell phone tower. I was flabergasted why ANYONE would bring their cell phone to the mountian. It's not as if they would not be back in the world in 4 days. Sheesh.

Paul

[Christina M.]

Here's something I've always wondered about:
How does someone decide which monasteries he is going to visit on the Holy Mountain? Do you draw straws? Do others decide? How is it done?

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

And it's probably the same monk processing things in the church office in Thessaloniki!

Talking of taxis. When we went to Mt Athos the second time in 1991 I had it in my mind that you just fly to Athens and hop on the shuttle to Thessaloniki. We arrived well jet lagged after the flight JFK-Rome- Athens. Getting to the domestic airport the lady at the ticket desk nicely asked; 'do you have a reservation sir?' Hm. One flight passes waiting on standby, then another... Finally a very nice Greek fellow (really a guardian angel) who had been living in England for a few years overheard our predicament and suggested a taxi to Thessaloniki. We accepted the offer and after negotiating the price left about an hour later. This was definitely the fastest taxi ride I have had in my life. Screaming over the mountains (Mt Olympos?) we literally had our eyes covered from fear. The funny thing was that we got to Thessaloniki only about an hour later than if we had flown.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Paul Cowan]

LOl,

Yes, Fr. I was holding on for dear life in Thessaloniki from the airport to the bus station (I was an hour late for the last bus) to the hotel and then back again the next morning. These guys were not at all concerned about speed limits.

But the taxis I was refering to were the ones ON the Mountain. It seems if any pilgrim wanted to go from one monastery to another, they just paid the price for the fare. Only those that walk can really appreciate what the Mountain has to offer.

Christina: Straws? perhaps, but I had an agenda when I went. I wanted to see the Iveron icon of the Mother of God, The largest piece of the Holy Life Giving Cross in the world and go to the top of the Mountain. I was able to do the first two, but what She wanted me to do was spend time at St. Panteleimon's. Her plan was better!!!!

Paul

[Christina M.]

Christina: Straws? perhaps, but I had an agenda when I went. I wanted to see the Iveron icon of the Mother of God, The largest piece of the Holy Life Giving Cross in the world and go to the top of the Mountain. I was able to do the first two, but what She wanted me to do was spend time at St. Panteleimon's. Her plan was better!!!!

I didn't know that anybody could just decide to go to the summit. Do you need a special invitation? Isn't there a chance that there's ascetics living up there, and you might disturb them? Isn't it very dangerous to try to climb so high?
(Sorry... I'm a little inquisitive. :-) )

[Paul Cowan]

If there is a warning not to go then one should not. There was when I was there, but I also met people that ignored the warning and went anyway. There are ascetics on the Mountain. They are going to be disturbed. Or else they live in such places that pilgrims will not want to travel.

It's only a mile high. You can see some photos in my album, but I wish I could share more of them. Have you seen Google earth? You can "see" a whole lot more on that site.

Paul

[Christina M.]

Thank you, Paul. I very much enjoyed seeing the photos in your album. It looks like an earthly paradise over there! It's also amazing how ancient the buildings look.
Now I wanna go too! Maybe I can pass for a eunuch... :)

If someone wanted to view Mt Athos from Google Earth, would they have to know exactly where it is on a map, or is there some easier shortcut trick?

[Nina]

. This was definitely the fastest taxi ride I have had in my life. Screaming over the mountains (Mt Olympos?) we literally had our eyes covered from fear.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

Ha ha ha I am guilty of driving very fast once from Athens to Thessaloniki. It felt so good - it was Monday and roads were empty. And it was for a good cause. But all over southern Europe people drive that way. I do not know why. Taxi drivers there are very skilled too.

[Paul Cowan]

If someone wanted to view Mt Athos from Google Earth, would they have to know exactly where it is on a map[...]?

well, yeah...

[Nektarios]

How long can you stay on the Holy Mountain. I have the whole month of December off, I want to stay more then a few days. Whats the longest allowed?

In Christ
Nektarios

[Vasilian]

Before you take the boat to Dafni, you have to buy the diamonitirion in Ouranoupolis (30 Euro). Otherwise it is impossible to enter the boat. After that you are free to go, in every arsanas you like.

If you want to know things about the top (incl. Google Earth), see: http://athos.web-log.nl/athos_agios_oros_/the_mountain/ . You don't need special permission to go to the top. But be careful, it is not 'only a mile high'. The top is at 2033 m and it is a pretty tough climb. I made it myself last year. It last 5-7 hours and about the same back. There is a small chapel on the top. No ascetics are living there, it is covered with snow in winter. At 1500 m is the Chapel of Panagia. You may stay there overnight if you like, but no one is living there, no water no food. See the pictures.

Nektarios: You may stay three nights, so leaving on the fourth day. You may ask for extension of your stay in person in Karies.

Vasílis

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Ha ha ha I am guilty of driving very fast once from Athens to Thessaloniki. It felt so good - it was Monday and roads were empty. And it was for a good cause. But all over southern Europe people drive that way. I do not know why. Taxi drivers there are very skilled too.

I've never seen a people who could so easily turn a two lane highway into three or even four.

[Paul Cowan]

If you want to stay longer than the customary 4 days, you can contact a specific monastery and they may allow you to stay with them ONLY for your extended time; two weeks or more. I went in late November when it was getting cold and rough seas (watch out for this as they will not go to or from the mountain if the seas are too rough and you will be stuck) so it was less crowded and they were more inclined to allow me a 5 day extension. If you ask for your extension in Karyes you are not guaranteed it. If you contact a specific monastery in advance, they can for you. But again, you must stay on their property the whole time.

[Nektarios]

Thank you all for the reply, I am actually moving my visit to next month for my spring break. I want to buy my ticket this week, what needs to be done?

In Christ
Nektarios

[Nektarios]

I just reserved my Mount Athos dates this morning and got a confirmation e-mail from the pilgramage office this morning. I'll be in Greece from the April 16-24 I am really excited. I can't wait to be on Athos!

In Christ
Nektarios

[Paul Cowan]

May Panagia guide your steps.

[Nektarios]

Does any one know if in Athens they celebrate Pascha at Midnight? I am hoping they do because my flight home is on Pascha at 6am! I want so badly to be in Greece for Pascha. I will be on Athos for Holy week though. I am so Excited!
Thank you paul, pray for me while I am gone.

In Christ
Nektarios

[Olga]

Does any one know if in Athens they celebrate Pascha at Midnight?

I'd be very surprised if they don't! :-)

[Nektarios]

I hope they all do I just need a Church to go to. I am sure that wont be hard given my location!

[John Konstantin]

I am getting excited for you...and I'm not even going!

[Nina]

Does any one know if in Athens they celebrate Pascha at Midnight? I am hoping they do because my flight home is on Pascha at 6am! I want so badly to be in Greece for Pascha. I will be on Athos for Holy week though. I am so Excited!
Thank you paul, pray for me while I am gone.

In Christ
Nektarios

So wonderful! May Panagia be with you throughout your journey.

Do you know which church you will go to in Athens for Pascha? I am jeaaaaalouuuuuuuuus in a good way now. :*(

[Nektarios]

Thank you all for your kind words. I am not sure which Church I will go to for Pascha. Probably to St. Johns in Markoupolous I think the town is called about 13km from the international airport, since my flight is at 6am and I want to be there by 430 am.
I am still considering which monasteries I want to go to. I want to visit Esphigmenou but I am not sure if the police are still stopping visitors.

In Christ
Nektarios

[John Konstantin]

You never know...you might never get back off the mountain! They will have to make you a monastic then. :)

[Paul Cowan]

Depending on the weather, you may not get off the mountain regardless if the boats don't run. Unless you have gotten clearance to go to Esphigmenou, I wouldn't waste precious walking time getting there.

[Nektarios]

I am still debating on which Monasteries I want to visit. I am trying to work out all the details. How much cash should I be carrying when I leave the US? I dont even know where to get Euros.

In Christ
Nektarios

[Paul Cowan]

Bank of America can convert your currency. It takes about a week. Your sity might also have a currenty converter organization. Most airports can also do it, but expect to pay a sizable fee for the priveledge.

I carried an 'around the neck' pouch with about $1000 Euros in it. Perhaps alot, but I also carried 2 fake wallets in case I was mugged, I could give them a few bucks and the satisfaction they mugged an American of "all" his money and still have it safely hidden. No one is going to look around your neck; unless they see you going there to pay for a sandwhich or something. Figure your expenses.

travel from home to your airport
food
from their airport to hotel or bus station
food
bus/taxi to Ournapolis
hotel while there
food (you have to eat at the small cafe over looking the multi colored boats)
boat ticket
hospitality per monastery
gifts/souveniors
taxi if you don't walk as well as bus from Daphne to karyes
repeat everything in reverse until you get back to your home.

Don't skimp on the experience. Don't let money keep you from buying that one last momento or prayer candle.

Take something of personal value like your baptismal cross or a piece of cloth and make sure to have it blessed by touching the relics of every saint they bring out for veneration each night.

Have you had your vaccinations? Go to an infectious disease doctor and ask them what you need for overseas trips. I think Hepatitis C is the only shot you really need though they will try to push others on you. Check the State Departments (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html)website for safety concerns as well.

Paul

[Nektarios]

I was in the Marine Corps and just got out in September I have every single vacination known to modern man. Including Anthrax.
So I am good on the shots. Does any where in Greece take Visa Cards? If I can use that instead of carrying around all that cash, it would be really nice.

I am flying from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA to London, England for a 4 hour Lay over, then from London to Athens. I am taking the slow train in Athens to Thessaloniki, then the bus and the ferry. I am getting to Athens on the 16th at 10pm or so. Going to get a place to sleep for a few hours, wake up for Liturgy, get on the train to Thessaloniki. I need to be at Ouranopolis by the 18th.

In Christ
Nektarios

[John Konstantin]

It sounds an amazing journey. I think it has been said before. Keep a daily journal and share all your experiences with us. I hope to go soon also but my plans are not as advanced at yours.

JK

[Nina]

I was in the Marine Corps and just got out in September I have every single vacination known to modern man. Including Anthrax.
So I am good on the shots. Does any where in Greece take Visa Cards? If I can use that instead of carrying around all that cash, it would be really nice.

I am flying from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA to London, England for a 4 hour Lay over, then from London to Athens. I am taking the slow train in Athens to Thessaloniki, then the bus and the ferry. I am getting to Athens on the 16th at 10pm or so. Going to get a place to sleep for a few hours, wake up for Liturgy, get on the train to Thessaloniki. I need to be at Ouranopolis by the 18th.

In Christ
Nektarios

Yes, all major credit cards are accepted in Greece. In some smaller stores/cafes it would be wiser if you pay by cash. However in Athos I am not sure if they accept credit cards since I have never been and do not plan to go.

[Nektarios]

How much cash do you think I should carry for those that have made a smiliar trip?

[Matthew]

Carry as much cash as you think you'll spend on food and gifts. I used a belt with a zipper compartment that carried several $100 bills.

You can exchange dollars for euros almost anywhere between home and Thessoliniki. You can change them back again, but will lose some money in the process.

Your best rate will be where credit cards are accepted. (Credit card companies make their money from merchants, while money changes earn on the spread between what they buy and sell currency.)

May God guide you on your pilgrimage, and enjoy Panaghia's Garden!

[Paul Cowan]

You can change them back again, but will lose some money in the process.



That's the truth. Unelss you want coin souveniors, spend ALL your coins while there. Banks, at least in Houston, will not cash them back to dollars for you. I have about 6 Euros in my car's ashtray I can never spend now.

[Nina]

That's the truth. Unelss you want coin souveniors, spend ALL your coins while there. Banks, at least in Houston, will not cash them back to dollars for you. I have about 6 Euros in my car's ashtray I can never spend now.

You can go back to Europe in another pilgrimage at some point. Or you can give them to a friend from your parish if they go to Athos/Europe?

[Guillermo M.L.]

Nektarios, I hope I'm not too late to add my two cents.

Here is a list of spendings at the Holy Mountain that I remember (they are from 2010):

Night train from Athens to Thessaloniki: €34 (I didn't take a flight)
Bus from Thessaloniki to Ouranopoli (or the other way round): about €20
Night at a hotel at Ouranopoli: €30
Eating (meal/dinner) at Ouranopoli: from €10 to €20
Diamonitiron: €30 (if you are Orthodox, you pay less)
Ferry to Daphni (or the other way round): from €7.50 to €12.50 (depending if you take the slow or fast one)
Bottles of water at the ferry: about €1 each
Bus from Daphni to Karyes: about €3
Shared shuttle from Karyes to a monastery: from €5 to €7
Donations at a monastery: at your will

Those were more or less my spendings. If you need last-time cash, withdraw Euros at the ATM at Ouranopoli (ask where it is, everybody knows). Do not trust the ATM at Karyes to work, it's just too risky a bet. If you don't have a cell phone and wish to talk by phone, buy phone cards at Ouranopoli. There are public phone booths in the Holy Mountain (even at some monasteries) but no way to get phone cards.

Regarding other spendings, it depends on where you want to go. I did most walking and took few shuttles. Sometimes I woke up at a monastery on the southern coast, and took one of the ferries back to Daphni, so I could walk from Daphni to my next monastery. The cost of this shorter ferry trip is about €2 o €3. The shuttles from Karyes were cheap for me, because I took them while sharing with a dozen other pilgrims. I have seen the prices for taking a shuttle alone, and it can easily cost €40 or go up to €80 or more, depending on how far is your destination. I didn't take a shuttle alone, but I would recommend saving about €100 for taking an "emergency shuttle".

If you intend to walk, I recommend buying a walking stick. It can really save you from nasty falls, and it only costs €7 at Daphni. Regarding buying icons and holy items, prices range all along the spectrum, depending whether you want something small or something luxurious. I bought some prayer ropes and small but nice icons, which cost from €5 to €20 each. Their smallness not only aided towards humility, but also in preventing baggage overload. Mount Athos wine cost me about €8 to €12 the bottle. I bought all these items at Daphni and Karyes, because even if some monasteries have "gift shops", they are not open at all times.

Regarding which monasteries to choose, I chose taking much in mind that I would be mostly walking. Most of the time I went walking to a monastery from Daphni or Karyes, and the next morning returned to Daphni or Karyes, to start walking towards another monastery. I chose monasteries that were reachable by walking before sunset. Some walking guides you can buy at Ouranopoli are good at estimating walking times. The farthest monastery I reached (from Karyes) was Megisti Lavra, but for that I took a shuttle (if not it was about 7 hours walking, for which I didn't have the time). It could be a good idea to visit one monastery or skete for Vespers and another to stay the night (and following morning). This way you get to see more in few days, with the drawback that you may not get so close to the monks, because of so little time spent at each.

Regarding extending the diamonitiron, if you wish to do so, bear in mind that you have to be in Karyes before 12:30 midday. After that, the office is closed. Still, no pilgrim I ever met during those days ever bothered to extend it, they just overstayed and no monastery made a fuss about it when receiving them. I'm not suggesting you should disobey rules, but it seems that the "diamonitiron authorized stay time" doesn't rob anybody of his sleep. If you intend to overstay, just don't get into trouble =)

[Guillermo M.L.]

I didn't know that anybody could just decide to go to the summit. Do you need a special invitation? Isn't there a chance that there's ascetics living up there, and you might disturb them? Isn't it very dangerous to try to climb so high?
(Sorry... I'm a little inquisitive. :-) )

Christina, I didn't go to the summit, but I knew some pilgrims who went. They always climb up from Agia Anna skete, it's about a 4 to 6 hour climb. Near the summit, there is a small chapel. One guy I knew climbed to the summit, and spent the evening sleeping in the chapel, and went down the next day. Nearly everyone who departs from Agia Anna returns to that same skete, as it is the most easy path.

Regarding hermits at the summit, there is a beautiful legend about "the twelve hermits at Athos summit". They live and pray at the summit, barely naked, feeding only from grass and the Holy Spirit. When one of the twelve passes away, the remaining eleven look for a replacement. They do this by positioning themselves at a far but visible distance from a monastery, until a monk that sees them leaves what he is doing and decides to join. If they are not successful, they do the same at another monastery, until they get their replacement. I haven't met anyone who went to the summit and saw these hermits, but it's a beautiful story anyway =)

[John Ward]

Regarding extending the diamonitiron, if you wish to do so, bear in mind that you have to be in Karyes before 12:30 midday. After that, the office is closed. Still, no pilgrim I ever met during those days ever bothered to extend it, they just overstayed and no monastery made a fuss about it when receiving them. I'm not suggesting you should disobey rules, but it seems that the "diamonitiron authorized stay time" doesn't rob anybody of his sleep. If you intend to overstay, just don't get into trouble =)

It's not too difficult for an Orthodox to get their diamonitiron extended. If anything, you can talk to one of the abbots and they'll call Karyes and get it extended. I stayed on Athos three months when I went with the help of the abbot at Xeropotamou. Visit St. Andrew's Skete while you're in Karyes. Amazing place and they were really working hard to rebuild it when I was there a few years ago. I spent quite a bit of time there. There's a British monk there who I spent a lot of time with and he acted as my interpreter. The abbot at Xeropotamou speaks English, which was a great help when I was there. Fr. Ephraim at St. Andrew's Skete is also an amazing abbot and, with the help of the British monk, I was blessed to get to talk to and receive advice. The name of the British monk is also Fr. Ephraim. If you do go there, and you get a chance, would you ask him if he remembers an American named John Ward who spent a lot of time there from November 2002 to January 2003? If so, please ask him to pray for me.

[Eric F.]

I would be so honored to visit Mt. Athos. I don't see how it would be possible, though. I mean, my wife would want to go as well. I wonder who I would rope into feeding my cats and fishes?

[Guillermo M.L.]

I would be so honored to visit Mt. Athos. I don't see how it would be possible, though. I mean, my wife would want to go as well. I wonder who I would rope into feeding my cats and fishes?

Get a relative to feed them, and buy your wife a nice week to relax at a Spa in the Halkidiki coast, while you are at the Holy Mountain ;-)

[Paul Cowan]

I wonder who I would rope into feeding my cats and fishes?

Leave the fish food in the tank and let the cats go fishing.

There is also a sailing boat that tourists can take on the west side your wife will enjoy. As well there is a women's monastery nearby that is a dependent of Simonpetra she could stay at.

[Eric F.]

Let the cats go fishing! Sheesh!

[Paul Cowan]

Its good exercise for both and they will have fun for hours.

[Nektarios]

Gillermo,

Not to late I leave on the 15th of this month. Thank you that outstanding. I have a friend that grew up in Thessaloniki so i get to stay with her grandparents in Thessaloniki and he is going to drive me down to the Ouronoplis or however it is spelled. lol.
The monasteries I plan to visit are Simono Petra, then go south to Pavlou and Diyonsious just down that row, then to the peak of mount Athos. I want to try and get to the great Lavra as well. Thank you for the list of expenditures it will be a great help.

In Christ
Nektarios

[John Konstantin]

If you don't have a cell phone and wish to talk by phone, buy phone cards at Ouranopoli.




Do you get a signal on the Holy Mountain?

[Guillermo M.L.]

Do you get a signal on the Holy Mountain?

I have seen monks talking through cell phones! =)

[Guillermo M.L.]

The monasteries I plan to visit are Simono Petra, then go south to Pavlou and Diyonsious just down that row, then to the peak of mount Athos. I want to try and get to the great Lavra as well. Thank you for the list of expenditures it will be a great help.

If you want to do that trip, it will surely be in the order Daphni-Simonopetra, Simonopetra-Dionisiou, Dionisiou-Agiou Pavlou, and then Agio Pavlou-Agia Anna. From Agia Anna you should try your trip to Athos peak and back.

What I see as tricky is then making the trip to great Lavra. From Agia Anna, it takes about 6 hours in the wilderness, in the "Athos desert". It is not that dramatic, but it means that for 6 hours you will have to walk and there will be nowhere to resupply, no alternatives in the path but going on or turning back. I think it is a trip only worth taking if you are already fit for walking long hours. But... if at that time, you have already made it to the summit and back, it may as well be a piece of cake for you =)

If you intend to go back to Ouranopoli from Megisti Lavra, you should inquire the schedules of the fast boat "Mikrá Agia Anna" at Ouranopoli, which once a week departs from Megisti Lavra. May Panagia light your way!

[Niko T.]

I would be so honored to visit Mt. Athos. I don't see how it would be possible, though. I mean, my wife would want to go as well.

This has probably been said in other threads, but there are many other pilgrimages for women in Greece besides the Holy Mountain.

For example, if a husband were planning a trip to Mount Athos, his wife could visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, Souroti (where Elder Paisios is buried), the Monastery of the Annunciation, Ormylia (the largest convent in Greece, metochion of Simonopetra), the Monastery of the Archangel Michael on the island of Thassos (under Elder Ephraim of Arizona), and many other places.

In addition, they have many boat tours that men and women can take that sail around the penninsula and give beautiful views of the Monasteries on the coast. At certain points, they stop and monks come by boat to the large boat, bringing Holy Relics from the Monastery for everyone to venerate.

[Guillermo M.L.]

At certain points, they stop and monks come by boat to the large boat, bringing Holy Relics from the Monastery for everyone to venerate.

This is new to me. I thought monks living at Athos were not supposed to interact with women.

[Paul Cowan]

Do you get a signal on the Holy Mountain?

There is a cell tower disguised as an old Byzantine tower SW of Karyes on the ridge. It was a great landmark for me when I got "confused" for 4 hours while I was walking.

Paul

[John Konstantin]

Thanks Paul and others. What about recharging batteries for cameras etc. Do you now what voltage they are on? I suspect they are on the two prong continental type plugs?

[Paul Cowan]

Couldn't say. I took plenty of batteries for my camera knowing Iy would not have easy access to electricity outlets. They add weight to your pack, but not more than 1 pound. Besides, 1 set of batteries should take a couple hundred photos. The problem I had was I lost my extra SD cards so when my camera filled up, I couldn't take any more shots even if I wanted to. :(

Paul

[John Konstantin]

I've just remembered that one can get solar powered iPhone covers reasonably cheaply. Mine takes dreadful pics, however. Spare battery it is then for the camera. :)

[Guillermo M.L.]

Thanks Paul and others. What about recharging batteries for cameras etc. Do you now what voltage they are on? I suspect they are on the two prong continental type plugs?

Greece uses 230 V. Practically every modern charger accepts that voltage, but you should have an adapter for the continental circular prongs. Most monasteries seem to have sockets, but I cannot speak for all of them. Tip is: whenever you are shown your room, look for a socket and if you find it, recharge your gadgets. Next day's monastery may not have that luxury.

Paul is right in his comment: bring more SD cards than you think you'll ever need! They weight nothing, and being unable to take pictures because of filled up memory is saddening enough.

[Nina]

This is new to me. I thought monks living at Athos were not supposed to interact with women.

Not all the monks. It depends on the blessing of the Elder and also on the spiritual maturity. Monks form Athos actually go into the world for missionary work and so on.

What Mr. Niko said it is true. I was blessed to see Mount Athos from the boat and we would stop and a couple (not all of them!) of monks would bring relics with their smaller boats to us so we could venerate them. It was a most amazing and blessed experience.

[Nina]

Regarding hermits at the summit, there is a beautiful legend about "the twelve hermits at Athos summit". They live and pray at the summit, barely naked, feeding only from grass and the Holy Spirit. When one of the twelve passes away, the remaining eleven look for a replacement. They do this by positioning themselves at a far but visible distance from a monastery, until a monk that sees them leaves what he is doing and decides to join. If they are not successful, they do the same at another monastery, until they get their replacement. I haven't met anyone who went to the summit and saw these hermits, but it's a beautiful story anyway =)

Wow this is beautiful story! However if this is about the Unseen Hermits/Ascetics of Athos (Aoratoi Askitai) no one of us could see them with our physical eyes. :)

[Nektarios]

If you want to do that trip, it will surely be in the order Daphni-Simonopetra, Simonopetra-Dionisiou, Dionisiou-Agiou Pavlou, and then Agio Pavlou-Agia Anna. From Agia Anna you should try your trip to Athos peak and back.

What I see as tricky is then making the trip to great Lavra. From Agia Anna, it takes about 6 hours in the wilderness, in the "Athos desert". It is not that dramatic, but it means that for 6 hours you will have to walk and there will be nowhere to resupply, no alternatives in the path but going on or turning back. I think it is a trip only worth taking if you are already fit for walking long hours. But... if at that time, you have already made it to the summit and back, it may as well be a piece of cake for you =)

If you intend to go back to Ouranopoli from Megisti Lavra, you should inquire the schedules of the fast boat "Mikrá Agia Anna" at Ouranopoli, which once a week departs from Megisti Lavra. May Panagia light your way!

6 hours isn't that bad, I have done worse in Afghanistan. Walking was my job for 6 years in the Marine Corps infantry I think I'll be ok. Are there boats that go from St. Annas Skete that go to the Great Lavra?

In Christ
Nektarios

[Nektarios]

Do I have to call the monasteries to reserve space in the monasteries or can I just go and stay at the monasteries?

[Paul Cowan]

They will tell you, you need to call in dvance and reserve space. During the slow season, this might not be as enforced as the high season is. I went during the low season and did not make any reservations since I could never get anyone to answe the phone at 3am! I couldn't stay up that late too many times so I just put myself in Panagia's hands.

No there is not a boat from St. Annes to the Lavra. There is another boat system on the east side of the mountain.

[Nektarios]

They will tell you, you need to call in dvance and reserve space. During the slow season, this might not be as enforced as the high season is. I went during the low season and did not make any reservations since I could never get anyone to answe the phone at 3am! I couldn't stay up that late too many times so I just put myself in Panagia's hands.

No there is not a boat from St. Annes to the Lavra. There is another boat system on the east side of the mountain.

Is 12 days from now the slow season? So in order to get from St. Annes Skete to the Lavra, I am walking? Well I am fat any way and need the exercise haha.

In Christ
Nektarios

[Paul Cowan]

I don't know what 12 days from now would look like. In my mind, if it is snowing or a holiday season, it is the slow season.

Look at it this way, You'll have a great view of the ocean on your trip down to Magistis Lavra. And it should be mostly down hill once you make the mile trek UP.

[Nektarios]

I don't know what 12 days from now would look like. In my mind, if it is snowing or a holiday season, it is the slow season.

Look at it this way, You'll have a great view of the ocean on your trip down to Magistis Lavra. And it should be mostly down hill once you make the mile trek UP.

I'll be there for Holy Week, I dont know if many people go up to the mountian during that time? a Mile should only take me 20minutes to walk.

[Paul Cowan]

a Mile should only take me 20minutes to walk.

hahahahahaha

walking distance is measured in hours not minutes.

I would think Holy week to be a very high season. Just as the names' Day of any monastery regardless of snow or not. :)

[Paul Cowan]

When I looked at Google Earth before I went, I saw nice soft rolling hills and smooth roads. When I got there, it could not have been further fro the truth. Forests I thought I could just walk through, were impassable rock walls. Smooth walking paths sometimes had 2-4 foot drops and inclines. Not easy stepping. From Daphne to Simonpetra, it was a mere 300 meters up. But there were so many switchbacks I actually walked 4 times the distance. Getting to the top was worth it, but I was cussing the road crew that built it. :)

Expect 3-4 times the length of time to get to your destination.

BTW: my leg gave out between Karakalou and Lavra and I didn't think I was ever going to make it there. I got in as they were locking the gates. I had to take the taxi back to Karyes the next day. I wasn't permitted to go to the summit.

Paul

[Guillermo M.L.]

Nektarios, regarding the reservations, it is a tricky issue for foreigners, especially for those who live at distant timezones from the Greek one. Many monasteries have a fax line, and I heard in some of them that most of the reservations were received by fax: if you want to try a shot on that one, go ahead... I think it promises more success than calling by phone. Still, if you don't have a reservation, you may still get a bed anyway (that's what happened to me). You have to find out which monasteries are the least strict about it (speak with fellow pilgrims on your voyage) and try on those ones. It may sound a bit advantageous, but turning up at the monastery less than one hour before it closes will more certainly ensure your chances of success: if all monasteries are closing gates soon, it is improbable that they will let you out at that particular monastery.

You are going in Holy Week. It is a known tradition, in a monastery's feast day, that no pilgrim is rejected on that day. With all the hordes of visitors arriving that day, everybody gets a bed, and they don't even look at your diamonitiron. I don't know if Holy Week days accounts for "feast days" in monastery terms, but it would be worth finding out.

Regarding the Agia Anna-Megisti Lavra trip, the boat "Mikrá Agia Anna" goes as far as Lavra once a week, and may pick you up at Agia Anna if you reserve in advance. You should ask about it at the boat's office at Ouranopoli (near the gas station, round the corner from the Pilgrims' Office). Still, I may be wrong in my speculations, and what is more probable, for Holy Week all the seats at that boat (which is not big) may already be reserved.

I recommend you be prepared for walking (which may be testing for your feet, especially after climbing a mountain up and down, or not). Regarding your estimated walking times, Paul is quite right: paths there are tricky, have many ups-and-downs, and you may spend quite a time clearing branches and bushes. Sometimes even signs are not clear at crossroads, and you may lose time backtracking. Overestimate your walking times in order to calculate well; on the first day you walk on the peninsula, you will get a good feel of all this.

I remember when I reached Megisti Lavra (by shuttle) that I had much spare time, because I hadn't spent all the day walking. I decided to attend Vespers at the Romanian skete (Timiou Prodromou) which was about 1 hour walk away, mostly because I have never attended a Romanian service. I started walking, under the summer sun. During those days of walks at Athos, cars and trucks always passed me by, and sometimes I felt the cars passed me by in a mocking way, as if laughing in their comfort at my "sacrifice" of walking. This time, I was getting behind, and starting to realize I would not get to the Romanian Vespers on time. Suddenly, one truck did stop: the drivers were two Greek youngsters, who invited me to hop on at the back. I hopped on, and thanks to them, I got to Vespers just when it was starting. In my memories, those charitative Greek youngsters were angels in disguise sent by the Lord =)

[Christina M.]

If someone wanted to view Mt Athos from Google Earth, would they have to know exactly where it is on a map[...]?
well, yeah...
Actually, Paul, you don't have to know where it is. I just found out today that if you type in "Mt Athos" in the "Fly to" box, it goes right there.

That is the craziest and most-awesome program I've ever seen in my life. I just installed it for the first time last week. "Street view" is unbelievable!

[Daniel R.]

That is the craziest and most-awesome program I've ever seen in my life. I just installed it for the first time last week. "Street view" is unbelievable! L.O.L. have you not ever used Street View on Google maps?

[Christina M.]

L.O.L. have you not ever used Street View on Google maps?

Isn't it kinda new? I thought it was just released within the last 12 months or so...

LOL now you're making me feel old-fashioned. :)

[Daniel R.]

Isn't it kinda new? I thought it was just released within the last 12 months or so... 48 months 25th of May 2007. ;)

[Christina M.]

48 months 25th of May 2007. ;)

Ouch! Can someone lend me a bucket? I'd like to hide under it for a while. :)

[Daniel R.]

When you come out of your bucket you now have a wonderful way of looking around the U.K. try the southern Llyn peninsula Wales it is an old pilgrims route to Bardsey "the island of twenty thousand saints" I go lovely walks on holiday just opposite there. It is where Saint? Cadfan founded a monastery and Saint Deiniol Bishop of Bangor is berried there.

[Paul Cowan]

Actually, Paul, you don't have to know where it is. I just found out today that if you type in "Mt Athos" in the "Fly to" box, it goes right there.

That is the craziest and most-awesome program I've ever seen in my life. I just installed it for the first time last week. "Street view" is unbelievable!

Be sure to wave when the Google Earth car comes down your street. You will be imortalized for at least 6 months until they make another round.

[Christina M.]

Be sure to wave when the Google Earth car comes down your street. You will be imortalized for at least 6 months until they make another round.

Yeah, but it seems they blur out the faces of pedestrians. I was "street viewing" some big cities yesterday, and all the people's faces were blurred. Yesterday I tried to find Chuck Norris in TX, but when I realized all the faces were blurred, I lost interest in finding Walker.

Plus if I want my face to become immortalized, I'll just create a Facebook account.

[Christina M.]

Does anyone know what the red stuff is, shown on Google Earth, on the south side of the Holy Mountain?

Here's a screenshot:
2090

[Nina]

Yesterday I tried to find Chuck Norris in TX,

Why do you want to find Chuck Norris in TX? Haven't you seen him in movies? You should try to find Paul! Or other Texans from monachos :)

[Christina M.]

Why do you want to find Chuck Norris in TX? Haven't you seen him in movies? You should try to find Paul! Or other Texans from monachos :)
LOOOOL! I was just kidding! :) Haven't you ever heard of a "Chuck Norris joke"? Try googling "Chuck Norris jokes", and click the "Top 50 jokes" of the first link. I just read through them, and I laughed so hard that my cheeks are now covered in tears as I'm writing this.

Seriously though, I would never use Google Earth to search for Chuck in TX. Actually, I would never try to search for anything in TX, because I thought there was nothing there but cows and cactii... ;)

Does nobody have an answer to the "red stuff" south of the Holy Mountain?

[Nina]

Seriously though, I would never use Google Earth to search for Chuck in TX.

Well, la di da! lol I know you were joking and that you will not use GE for finding anyone! You can't, even if you wanted to. :P na na na na naaaaaa

[Paul Cowan]

Seriously though, I would never use Google Earth to search for Chuck in TX. Actually, I would never try to search for anything in TX, because I thought there was nothing there but cows and cactii... ;)

Does nobody have an answer to the "red stuff" south of the Holy Mountain?

It could be blood. It could be red algae. It could be red pigment in the camera lens. It could be ketchup. It could be lipstick from all the icons across the globe that found its way there.

I would say algae though

As far as your cows and cacti comment; I'm not even gonna give that a response. Do you have any idea how many Texans are now on this WWW? I do, I greet them all when they sign up. Dang Yankee don't even know what kind of trouble you are starting here.

humph
Paul

[Christina M.]

I would say algae though
Why would there be red algae visible there, but not visible anywhere else in the world? It just doesn't seem right. Plus it's way too big. You can see it even if you zoom way out.

Has anybody been to the southern-most part of the Holy Mountain, and saw how the ocean looks from there? I wonder if the redness is visible to the naked eye.

[Paul Cowan]

ok, then its ketchup

[Matthew]

Has anybody been to the southern-most part of the Holy Mountain, and saw how the ocean looks from there? I wonder if the redness is visible to the naked eye.

Christina,

Whatever that is, it's not a fixed something, and was not visible when I was there.

[Christina M.]

Christina,

Whatever that is, it's not a fixed something, and was not visible when I was there.
Thanks, Matthew! :)

Finally, someone who doesn't relate everything to FOOD! I'm surprised you didn't say it was BBQ sauce, Paul. ;)

[Matthew]

Shouldn't Nektarios be coming back from his trip soon?

[Nina]

Christina,

Whatever that is, it's not a fixed something, and was not visible when I was there.

Yes. I was there by boat and did not see this.

Maybe those are the sins of the world washed by unceasing prayer from Athos.

[Christina M.]

Shouldn't Nektarios be coming back from his trip soon?

Maybe he got stuck in the red stuff on his way back.

[Nina]

Maybe he got stuck in the red stuff on his way back.

Maybe Nektarios became a Monk!

[Christina M.]

Maybe Nektarios became a Monk!

That'd be awesome! Then maybe he can pray for us.

I wouldn't be surprised if he became a monk, because he showed so much interest in it beforehand. He even made an earlier post about how he's afraid that he might not want to leave the Holy Mountain once he gets there! :)