A Spiritual Journey: The 11th Annual Mount Athos Retreat

The 11th Annual Mount Athos Retreat took place from April 24th to 26th, 2026, during which twenty 4th formers from the Welfare club, accompanied by advisor Aristotelis Papaioannou and chaperone George Papazoglou, embarked on a spiritual journey.

On the first day, the students visited Karyes to venerate the Axion Esti icon, toured the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou, and the cell of Ravdouchos, where elder Gerasimos shared inspiring words. The group spent the first night at the Holy Monastery of Karakallou, observing its strict schedule.

The next day, they hiked to the Holy Monastery of Philotheou before traveling to the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra, the oldest in the Athonite state, where they spent their second night fully participating in the traditional monastic routine.

This trip provided a unique opportunity for students to connect with Greece's living history and traditions, experiencing the vibrant spirituality of Orthodoxy against the backdrop of Mount Athos in full spring bloom.