(An extensive photogallery is located after the text.)

From the 22nd to the 28th of May 2025, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Greece was undertaken, organised by Cathedral parish in Geneva, Switzerland. The group was led and spiritually guided by the Very Reverend Archpriest Emilian Pochinok.

This sacred journey became a time of prayerful strengthening, spiritual renewal, and living contact with the ancient Orthodox inheritance of Hellas. The pilgrims visited both well-known monasteries and lesser-frequented, yet no less grace-filled places, where the presence of the saints, their prayers and ascetic labours, is still tangibly preserved.

22nd May — The Journey Begins

The pilgrimage commenced with a visit to the men’s Monastery of Pantokrator (Dau) in Penteli, founded in the 9th century. There, amidst the stillness of the mountain slope, the first common prayer was offered, entrusting the days ahead to the Lord.

From there, the pilgrims made their way to the port of Piraeus, crossed the Aegean Sea by ferry, and arrived on the island of Aegina, where there stands the convent of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, founded by him in 1904. At his tomb, prayers were offered, and each pilgrim was able to venerate his holy relics with deep faith and gratitude.

23rd May — Boeotia and the Mountain Shrines

The day began with a journey to Thebes and the Church of the Holy Evangelist Luke, one of the four Evangelists, where, according to tradition, his relics repose. The pilgrims next visited the Church of Saint Demetrios and the revered icon of the ‘Great Mother of God’ (Megali Panagia).

A warm reception was given to the pilgrims at the convent of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, where they shared a meal and spiritual fellowship with the sisters. The route then led onward to the scenic Lake Plastiras, and from there into the mountains to the majestic Church of Panagia Pelekiti (16th century), carved into the cliff face at an elevation of 1,470 metres.

24th May — Meteora and Thessaly

The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the men’s Monastery of Petra (established in 1550). The pilgrims then travelled to the Monastery of Saint Stephen in Meteora, where the relics of Saint Charalampus of Magnesia are preserved.

The next holy site was the Church of Saint Nicholas of Vounena, where, according to local testimony, on the 9th of May each year, the trees surrounding the church ‘weep blood’. This deeply moving place left a lasting impression on the hearts of the pilgrims.

In the evening, the group made their way to the island of Euboea, where they would remain for the next days.

25th May — Solitude and Healing

On this day, the pilgrims visited two great spiritual treasures of Euboea: the Monastery of Saint David and that of Saint Iakovos Tsalikis — a contemporary saint whose words and teachings touch the hearts of believers throughout the world.

After prayer and veneration of the relics, the pilgrims made their way to the thermal springs of Edipsos, known since antiquity, where each was given the opportunity for brief rest and physical refreshment.

26th May — An Evening of Prayer

In the late afternoon, the pilgrims visited two churches: at 6.00 p.m. — the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and at 7.00 p.m. the Church of Saint Panteleimon.

At both places, services of supplication and Akathists to the holy unmercenaries were prayerfully offered.

27th May — Saint John the Russian

This day marked the spiritual summit of the pilgrimage. In the town of Prokopi, the solemn celebration of Saint John the Russian — a beloved confessor of the Faith — took place. Participation in the Divine Liturgy, the procession, and prayer at the saint’s relics left an indelible mark upon the souls of all the pilgrims.

Afterwards, the group travelled to Chalkida, where a fraternal meal was shared. The day concluded with a visit to the Monastery of the Holy Martyr Ephraim of Nea Makri — a New Martyr of the 15th century — where prayer before his relics became the final great spiritual event of the journey.

28th May — Return to the Capital

The pilgrimage concluded with a visit to the Cathedral of Athens, where prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the days that had been filled with grace, the stillness of prayer, fraternal communion, and spiritual joy.