To the Belt of the Mother of God + Kavala + Philippi and Lydia

At 30 km., south of the Thracian city, on the shore of the ancient lake Wistonide is a village of fishermen. A little to the side, on the island of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, connected to the land by a long wooden bridge, many works and prayers of the monks of the Vatopedi monastery built a compound.

Complete peace, strict solemnity of nature and a simple architectural ensemble of the farmstead can not but find a response in the soul of anyone who comes to this amazing place.

The belt of the Most Holy Mother of God has always been the subject of worship of Orthodox Christians around the world. Pilgrims from all over the world aspire to Holy Athos to worship and join the great shrine of Orthodoxy! But it can only be done by crooks, women have no access. Since only men can get to Athos, and then after obtaining a special permit and a visa. Women are not allowed to enter.

People ask the Mother of God for protection, blessing, forgiveness and healing from diseases for themselves and their loved ones, everywhere! Someone in church-lighting candles, someone at home-praying before bed, everyone as they can. But now you are given a rare opportunity to do it directly at the Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God in this abode (at the compound of the Athos monastery Vatopedi).

On the way to the courtyard - we will visit still very interesting, spiritual, and the main holy places! The first stop we will make near the town of Kavala, where the Apostle Paul first began to preach Christianity. We will visit ancient Philippi, where the pagans kept the Apostle Paul in prison in a cave. We will visit the vaftistery, in which the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian in Europe – Lydia.

We will stop with you for lunch and a cup of coffee, so that you can eat in the beautiful city of Kavala. This city is similar to Monaco due to the bay with yachts, and the style of development is the amphitheater. Lunch in the tavern with a view of the sea, a walk along the embankment and of course a photo against the background of Aquaduk. We will continue our wonderful journey with you.

The final point of our trip is the compound of the Svyatoafonsky monastery Vatopedi.

One of the three temples is dedicated to the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Vsezaritsa”, glorified by many great miracles. The name “Vsezaritsa” to this icon was given by the blessed Elder Joseph. The icon itself is located in the Vatopedi monastery on the Holy Mount Athos. On the farmstead is kept her list, from which prayers are also performed amazing healing, especially among cancer patients. There is also a cross-ark with a part of the Life-giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord.

In the temple we will see that for which we will go on this journey - the Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God. The belt is brought here from Athos. Each of us will be able to walk in God’s presence.

For worship, the arks will be opened with particles of the relics of the Great Martyr George, the healer of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, the Monk Maxim of Vatopedi and many other saints also brought from Athos.

Many stories are remembered by the monks, told them by grateful people who received help from the All-Pure Virgin, after a pilgrimage made on the courtyard.

******** All participants of the tour as a gift ring with 10 knots!