The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, arrived this morning on Mount Athos for a pilgrimage to the Athonite State, according to the Greek website “Vima Orthodoxias.”
According to the report, the President’s presence on Mount Athos highlights Cyprus’s enduring spiritual ties with the Athonite monastic tradition.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
According to information from VimaOrthodoxias.gr, the President was welcomed by the Holy Community at Karyes. Subsequently, Mr. Christodoulides proceeded to the Holy Church of the Protatos, where he venerated the historic and miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary “Axion Esti,” the precious icon of the Mother of God that serves as a point of reference for the entire Orthodox world.
The veneration of the patron icon of the Athonite State was a central moment of his visit to Karyes, before he continued his program at the monasteries of Mount Athos. The visit combines the official reception of the Cypriot head of state with the personal nature of the pilgrimage.
AT THE MONASTERY OF GREGORIOS
Subsequently, the President of the Republic of Cyprus visited the Holy Monastery of Gregory, where he was warmly welcomed by the abbot, Elder Christophoros, and the monastic community. A large crowd of pilgrims was present at the reception, adding to the significance of the Cypriot President’s visit to the monastery.
The visit to the Monastery of St. Gregory is the next stop on his pilgrimage, following his reception by the Holy Community and his veneration of the Virgin Mary at Protato.
AT VATOPEDI
In the afternoon, he is expected to travel to the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopaidi, in order to continue his pilgrimage and visit yet another of Mount Athos’ historic monastic institutions.
Source: Vima Orthodoxias
