Greece is a country of outstanding culture. It’s the birthplace of ancient heroes, the land of wonderful sea and sun. And for Christians, it’s also a place of worship, where ancient shrines are kept. Religion began to spread throughout Europe from here, and Orthodoxy never gave way to another faith to prevail.
The miraculous shrines of Greece attract Christians from every part of the planet. They come here in the hope to heal their bodies and souls, strengthen their faith in God, and receive his grace and mercy for their good deeds.
The Andcross Pilgrim Spiritual and Educational Center helps believers to visit the most significant places of this amazing country. We give the wonderful opportunity to not get distracted by the fuss related to planning and organizing a long trip.
Mount Athos is a place of immense power. There are 20 monasteries here, as well as Orthodox sketes and cells. No other place in the world has the same amount of Orthodox monasticism. Life here goes in its own manner: everything here is dedicated to serving Our Lord. Officially, this territory of Greece is an autonomous monastic community.
It’s hardly possible to name all the shrines of Mount Athos. The major treasures kept here are well-known throughout the Christian world. The belt of the Most Holy Theotokos helps women to deal with infertility and cures other disorders. The gifts of the Wise Men (Magi) are preserved from the moment of Christ’s birth. These are golden plates with various patterns, and frankincense and myrrh, which are mixed and shaped into dark balls that hang on a silver thread.
Among the numerous relics kept on Mount Athos, the relics of St Pantaleon are especially revered. During his time on earth, he was an outstanding healer, and delivered people from disorders, using faith in God instead of traditional medicine. Even after his execution, the saint keeps curing people with poor health. Several miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary can be found on Mount Athos – Vimatarissa, Pantanassa, Gerontissa, and many others. Each of them is associated with amazing miracles.
Mount Athos is like a different world on our planet. Becoming a part of it is a great blessing for every pilgrim. It’s incomparable and unforgettable.
The remains of St Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous can be seen on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra). He lived in the same time as legendary St Nicholas the Wonderworker. It’s hard to believe but St Spyridon performed almost as many miracles as his famous brother in faith. For his righteous way of life, God granted the shepherd Spyridon the gift of foresight. He could also cure terminal patients, cast out demons from people, and once even brought the dead mother and her child back to life.
Now pilgrims have the opportunity to venerate his mortal remains, which have remained completely incorruptible for more than 1,500 years. They have the temperature of a living human body. They weigh like an adult man. Isn’t it a miracle itself? Because it cannot be explained by science and shows the endless power of God!
Also, the shoes and clothes of the saint wear out from time to time, as if worn by a living person. They are annually replaced with new ones. Another miracle also can be witnessed: the reliquary may not open, despite all efforts. The clergymen assume that the saint still wanders somewhere, helping people. After waiting a little, the locks can be opened again without any problems.
Locals consider Spyridon the patron saint of the whole island. By the way, it’s an incredibly beautiful place. There’s a reason why it’s called “Pearl of Hellas”. No wonder, ordinary tourists gladly come here as well. Since ancient times, the island has been famous because of the legends of the Argonauts and Odyssey.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is primarily associated with antiquity. But there are also quite significant places for Orthodox pilgrims here. For example, the Parthenon is one of the main symbols of the country. It has been used as a Christian temple way longer than a pagan one. Even now, you can still spot a fragment of the fresco of the Annunciation on its destroyed walls. There is also the Greek Orthodox Cathedral here, which is named in honor of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, and it has several pilgrim sites. One basilica was erected at the burial place of St Demetrius of Thessalonica. The relics of one of the greatest theologians, St Gregory Palamas, are kept in the Holy Metropolitan Church. We know that Mount Athos is inhabited by male monks only. And the main convent of nuns in Greece is the Holy Monastery of St John the Theologian in Souroti, which is also located near Thessaloniki.
Tours to Greece organized by Andcross may vary slightly. Their dates and exact locations can be specified on the website. There you can find the contacts of our Pilgrim Spiritual and Educational Center and useful information for believers.
Pilgrim Ecclesiastic Educational Centre Andcross