Feast of Panagia Odigitria on Mount Athos, 4 Days Spiritual Pilgrimage
Next Pilgrimage: Mid-October
A living museum of art, ethnology and ecclesiastical history
The Feast of Panagia Odigitria is one of the most revered and celebrated religious celebrations on Mount Athos. This sacred event is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the eternal guide and protector of the monastic community and pilgrims who seek solace on this holy peninsula.
The liturgical services, choral chants, and the vibrant presence of the faithful are a testament to the enduring traditions of Orthodoxy. Visitors are invited to witness the profound spiritual experience, to share the monastic meals, and to be touched by the genuine warmth of the Athonite monks.
- Ouranoupoli port, Monasteries of Grigoriou and Simononopetra, KariesDay 1
- Monasteries of Koutloumousiou, Iviron, Stavronikita and PantokratorosDay 2
- Monasteries of Xiropotamou, Panteleimonos and XenofontosDay 3
- Dochiariou MonasteryDay 4
Ouranoupoli – Agion Oros
Morning embarkation (08:00) to the speedboat to enter the restricted area of Agion Oros from Ouranoupoli port. The boat will take us to Grigoriou Monastery. We visit the monastery and then we hike for 1,5 hour (300m ascent) to Simononopetra Monastery the most impressive monastery of the Athonian State, built on a sheer granite rock. We visit the monastery and then we are transferred by minivan to the administrative center of Agion Oros, Karies. Overnight stay in Agios Andreas Skete (known as Sarai). Optionally we follow the daily program of the monks. Upon arrival your guide will explain everything to you.
Karies and other Monasteries
Early start to see the morning mass to the Protaton church (The first church built in the Athonian State ay 960AD where the most important icon of Greek Orthodox religion is located named Axion Esti). After the mass we will start our hiking visiting en route Koutloumousiou Monastery and St Paisios cell in panagouda region. We continue our hike about 2 hours downhill to the impressive Monastery of Iviron. We visit of the monastery and then we follow an easy coastal path along the north side of Agion Oros for 1,5 hour to Stavronikita Monastery built literally on top of the sea. Visit of the monastery with the impressive murals and we will continue for another 1 hour to our final destination where we will spend the night Pantokratoros Monastery. Overnight stay in Pantokratoros Monastery. Optionally we follow the daily program of the monks.
Panteleimonos and Xenofontos Monasteries
After the morning mass we are transferred by minivan to Xiropotamou Monastery located in the south side of the peninsula. We visit the monastery and then in one hour with very easy pace, mostly downhill, we will arrive to Panteleimonos Monastery, known as the Russian Monastery. We visit the monastery and then we follow a dirt road for another 1,5 hour to our final destination the Xenofontos Monastery. Overnight stay in Xenofontos Monastery for the marvelous, humble yet glorious celebrations of the miraculous Icon of Panagia Odigitria (Panagia that guides you).
The heart of the feast revolves around the veneration of the Panagia Odigitria Icon, a miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary, which has guided the monastic life on Mount Athos for centuries. The Icon is richly adorned and carried in a grand procession through the monasteries and hermitages, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and the sweet aroma of incense.
Pilgrims and monks alike come forward with candles, prayers, and their deepest intentions, seeking the blessings and intercession of the Mother of God. The faithful believe that the Panagia Odigitria offers spiritual guidance, protection, and solace, leading them on a path of enlightenment and salvation.
Dochiariou Monastery
After the morning mass, we will visit the Dochiariou Monastery which involves only half an hour walking. In the afternoon we will embark to our ferry towards the exit of Agion Oros to Ouranoupoli. Expected arrival time in Ouranoupoli at 14:30. End of services.
Scheduled Pilgrimages
- 17-20 October 2024
Prices
- 1 person980€ per person
- 2-3 paxDiscount 5%
- 4-8 paxDiscount 10%
- Bookings must be made two months in advance
- Access to Mount Athos is restricted to males only, and females are strictly prohibited from entering the area.
Included
- English speaking Tour Guide/Pilgrimage Expert
- Permit
- Entrance fees
- Guiding in the trails
- All transfers in Agion Oros (boat, minivan)
- Two times communal food in the monasteries
- Shared accommodation (only for our group)with shared facilities in monasteries
Not Included
- Arrival in Ouranoupoli
- Extra expenses due to adverse weather conditions*
- *Although Agion Oros is a peninsula, is only accessed by sea. No regular land crossings of vehicles are permitted. Sometimes due to adverse weather conditions the port authorities issue a prohibitive departure of the maritime transport services.