The Consular Corps in Greece with Mr. Loucas Ellinas Honorary Consul of Seychelles organized and brought to success a very interesting trip to Mount Athos that was attended by many of our members, including Career and Honorary Consuls, Diplomatic personnel and close friends.

The trip began firstly with a short visit to the impressive St. Panteleimonos Monastery (Russian Monastery) where the group was given a private tour.

Following this, they then headed for Dafni (Athos Port) where they departed by mini-bus for the Vatopedi Monastery.

There the welcome and hospitality offered was more than anyone could have expected and their stay was truly and spiritually an overwhelming surprise.

They were honoured to be personally greeted by His Holiness Abbot Ephraim and given a private tour of the monastery’s premises including its rare museum and library.

The following day, the journey continued with a stopover and visit of St. Andreas Skete before reaching Karyes (the capital of Athos).

There they were again pleasantly welcomed by the Head of all monasteries
at Mt Athos.

They then continued their trip for St. Dionysios Monastery were they stayed the night.

Once again, the hospitality and treatment was remarkably impressive leaving them only with positive and kind thoughts.

The highlight there was the all-night vigil that was held in honour of all Cypriot Saints and which they were privileged to attend.

The weekend ended with a wonderful lunch at Ouranoupoli – kindly offered by Mr. Ellinas, before heading back to Thessaloniki airport.

Concluding we quote two of the written remarks we received following this trip;

“certainly the most interesting thing I could live during my residence  in your  charming country” Mr. Claude Peclard - Swiss Embassy