Pilgrim's Way

18/01/2025

14/01/2025

Beneath the hill of Areopagus in Athens lie the remnants of ancient philosophical schools, including the enigmatic Omega House (or House C). Initially functioning as a philosophical institution, this site later transitioned into a Christian catechetical and philosophical school. A former nymphaeum within the complex was repurposed as a baptistery, symbolizing its shift in religious and cultural significance.

The Omega House is located in close proximity to the ruins of the Church of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. According to tradition, this church was constructed on the very site where the house of St. Dionysius himself once stood, adding to the spiritual and historical resonance of the area.

08/01/2025

The Library of Pantainos was situated at the edge of the Ancient Agora, near the Stoa of Attalos. Built around 102 A.D. by the Athenian philosopher Titus Flavius Pantainos, it was dedicated to Athena Archegetis. The library was destroyed in 267 A.D. during the Herulian invasion.

A street called Plateia Odos (Wide Street) once passed in front of the library, linking the ancient Agora with the newer Roman Agora through the Gate of Athena Archegetis.

After the destruction of Athens by the Herulians, new defensive walls and a tower were constructed on the site of the library. This tower later became home to a Christian chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary Pyrgiotissa (of the Tower), also known as Chrysopyrgiotissa. The chapel remained until its destruction during the early archaeological excavations of 1859. A fragment of the demolished chapel is likely located at the site of the former Justinian tower.

The grandson of Titus Flavius Pantainos, who shared the same name, is believed to be the Christian philosopher who moved from Athens to Alexandria, Egypt, and founded the School of Alexandria (Didaskaleion), a Christian catechetical academy. This institution became renowned as a center of learning, with notable teachers such as Clement and Origen passing through its halls.

04/01/2025

First monastery for 2025.
Monastery of St John the Forerunner, Mt Hymetus, Karéas, Athens.

Words of wisdom from sister Silouani and the abbess Eudokia

04/01/2025

Ancient Agora, Athens.
Our first visit to an archaeological site for 2025.
A replica of an ancient allotment machine (cleroterion), with the help of which the names of the citizens who would serve as judges of the day were selected by drawing lots.

"Cleros" in Greek refers to a lot or share (of land). The word "clergy" is derived from "cleros" in order to describe the body of ordained religious leaders.

Biblical references are in
Acts 1.26 "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias".
Psalm 21:19 & John 19:24 "They cast lots for my garment" / επί τα ιμάτιά μου εβαλαν κλήρον.

02/11/2024

St Laurentios Monastery.
Founded in 1378 by St Laurentios the New, named after St Laurentios the deacon, who was martyred in 253, in Rome.

01/11/2024

Monastery of St Gerasimos the New, Makrinitsa, Mt Pelio.

31/10/2024

A peaceful monastery on Evia island.

30/10/2024

Where the soul rests.

18/10/2024

The port of the Bulgarian monastery Zografou, Mt Athos.
Each Athonite monastery has its own port.
The monastery itself is about one hour's walk from the port.

18/10/2024

The Prosforion Tower, once a dependency of Vatopaidi monastery at Ouranoupolis.

18/10/2024

Sunrise at Ouranoupolis and the Athonite peninsula.

15/10/2024

Thessaloniki. Acheiropoietos. The floor of the Roman baths under the floor of the church.

15/10/2024

St David's Chtuch, Thessaloniki.