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The feast of Saint Athanasios of Athonitos in Paleochori, Halkidikitranslated

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 5, the day when the Church honors the Memory of the Holy and God-bearing our father Athanasios the Athonite, the homonymous Chapel of the Holy in Paleochori, located in the Monastic House "THE JOY OF THE SORROWS", whose Spiritual Dean is the Preacher of the Holy Metropolis Pan. Chief Father Ignatios Riganas. Rev. Metropolitan of Ierissos, Mount Athos and Ardameri, Mr. Theoklitos, flanked by the Pan. Chief Fr. Christodoulos Stylianos, Fr. Spyridona Topsi and Fr. Gavriel Kalaitzis, spiritual children of Fr. Ignatius.

A crowd of believers from Paleochori and the surrounding communities came to the memory of the great Ascetic, led by the Mayor Aristotelis Mr. Stylianos Valianos, the former Minister and Mayor Mr. Christos Pachtas, the Deputy Mayor Mr. Nikolaos Avgerinos, the President of Paleochori Mr. Grigorio Katsiarma and others.

In his sermon, His Holiness referred to the life of Saint Athanasios who was born in Trebizond in the 10th century AD. – around 930 AD – from god-loving, famous and rich parents. Initially, he became a monk in the parts of Bithynia and even in the Holy Monastery of Kyminas...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Василь Руденко

It is good that Metropolitan Theoklitos mentioned the biography in such detail - about Trebizond, parents and the beginning in Bithynia in the Kimina monastery. It always helps to better understand why St. Athanasius became such a pillar for Mount Athos. I wonder if any old icons or things related to this celebration have been preserved in Paleochora.

Софья Попова

God bless you for your service. It’s good that Bishop Theoclitus spoke in such detail about Trebizond and the beginning in the Kimin monastery - it’s immediately clear where the saint got such strength of spirit. Are there any old icons of Athanasius of Athos in Paleochori itself or only modern ones?

Вера Васильева

God bless you for your service. It’s good that Bishop Theoclitus started with Trebizond and the Kimin monastery - it’s immediately clear where Athanasius got such firmness. Are there any old icons of the saint preserved in Paleochori itself, or are they just writing new ones?

Αγγελική Παναγιωτοπούλου

It's good that His Holiness started from Trebizond and Kimina, because there you can see how rooted his faith was from a young age. I have known the chapel in Palaiochori for a long time, we often pass by it when we go to Mount Athos. Are there any old images of Osios there or just the new ones?

Χριστίνα Θεοδώρου

Yes, Trebizond and Kimina show how early his faith took root. I went to the festival last year and I remember that next to the iconostasis there is an old icon of Saint, probably from the 19th century, a little worn but very expressive. When was the last time you went to Mount Athos?

Ηλίας Δημητρίου

Yes, Trebizond shows how deep his faith was as a child. Last year I went to the festival and saw that old icon next to the iconostasis, indeed worn but it has something that holds you. When was the last time you went to Mount Athos?

Γιώργος Παπαγεωργίου

Yes, Trebizond does show how early his faith took root. That old picture next to the iconostasis impresses me every time, worn but full of stillness. Last year I didn't have time to go to the festival, but I went two years ago with my older son – when do you think we can go to Mount Athos together again?

Νίκος Μιχαηλίδης

Yes, that picture is indeed from the middle of the 19th century, I have seen it too, it has something in the look that stays. The last time I went was two years ago, for the festival of Agios Panteleimon. Christina, are you thinking of going this year?

Θεοδώρα Αντωνίου

Yes, Trebizond shows how early his faith had taken root. I have also noticed that old picture next to the iconostasis, it is worn but it holds something peaceful. I didn't go to the festival last year, but I went three years ago with my husband; when do you plan to go to Mount Athos again?