From May 25-29, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America led students of Hellenic College Holy Cross to Mount Athos as part of this year’s St. Helen’s Pilgrimage, the mandatory study-abroad program for all rising senior Holy Cross Master of Divinity students.
Upon their arrival in Karyes, His Eminence presented the venerable Patriarchal Letter of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, within which His All-Holiness granted his blessing and canonical permission for the pilgrimage.
The letter was reverently received by Protos Fr. Abraham Lavriotis.
During his visit to the Holy Mountain, Archbishop Elpidophoros was also warmly received by the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Archon Alkiviadis Stefanis, at the headquarters of the Civil Administration in Karyes.
The group visited the Sacred Monasteries of Esphigmenou, Xenophontos, Pantokratoros, and Philotheou, as well as the historic Sketes of Saint Andrew, and the Prophet Elias, and the Iviron Cell of Saint Anna.
Prior to their visit to Mount Athos, the delegation also spent time at the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
There, they were received in formal audience by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, participated in liturgical services throughout the city, and visited the Theological School of Halki.
Photos by Orthodox Observer/Panos Satzoglou
