Category Archives: trip 2017

1931 – In the Athonian desert, first day, part four

Posted on July 5, 2017 by

As Boris predicted, there was a sign guiding us to Chilandariou. A bit later than expected. But still there was a sign. Here with pilgrim Jaap who is preparing his walking sticks. Due to the devasting fire the landscape had … Continue reading →

Posted in trip 2017, walking, Zygou | 1 Comment

1929 – Kapsala: the ruined kellion of St. John Chrysostomos – the interior

Posted on July 1, 2017 by

In post 1922 I showed you the pictures from the exterior of this ruined Russian settlement, that is located near the Maroudá cell (green pin) -see the red arrow on the map above. Today we will take a closer look inside … Continue reading →

Posted in kellia, ruins, trip 2017 | Tagged , | 4 Comments

1928 – Thebais: contact with fellow pilgrims on the boat

Posted on June 30, 2017 by

After we spent some time at Thibais our friendly host, Boris, showed us the way uphill to the road to Proto Nero and Chilandariou. Suddenly we saw the boat coming from Ouranoupolis. We knew that my brother and friends were … Continue reading →

Posted in Thebais, trip 2017 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

1927 – The holy smoke from Thibais, first day, part three.

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

Pilgrim Jacques is given an explanation in the frankincense factory by Boris. They export from Thibais to the Holy Mountain and to every corner in the world. The burning of incense is a human custom that goes back to ancient … Continue reading →

Posted in Thebais, trip 2017 | Tagged , | 1 Comment

1923 – Friends of Mount Athos (FoMA) clearing the footpaths

Posted on June 7, 2017 by

The Friends of Mount Athos are committed to the ongoing project of clearing, restoring and maintaining the old Athonite footpaths, many of them stone-paved (kaldirimi) tracks for transporting goods by mule and dating from late Byzantine times. The project was … Continue reading →

Posted in trip 2017, walking | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

1921 – Day one, part two: The building renaissance on Athos and the miracle of Thibais

Posted on May 31, 2017 by

We found the gate of Thibais closed. Pilgrim Herman started talking with a loud voice to draw someone’s attention. After quite a while we saw a black figure waving at us from a building up the hill. It took a … Continue reading →

Posted in ruins, Thebais, trip 2017 | Tagged | 1 Comment

1920 – First day, entering the Holy Mountain by water taxi

Posted on May 27, 2017 by

Our 2017 pilgrimage started quite different from earlier trips to the Holy Mountain. We didn’t travel the usual way, by the ferry from Ouranopolis or from Ierissos. A water taxi was ready for us. Herman had reserved it in advance. … Continue reading →

Posted in Thebais, trip 2017 | Tagged , | 3 Comments