Saint Gregory Palamas and the Hesychast Tradition Friends of Mount Athos Association "Saint Athanasios the Athonite"
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Friends of Mount Athos Association "Saint Athanasios the Athonite"

Since 1986 the association has cultivated ties with Mount Athos, organized pilgrimage and spiritual initiatives, and offered practical support to the Athonite community.

History

Foundation and early years

The Friends of Mount Athos Association was founded in 1986 by the late Brigadier General Dimitrios Mourelatos, who served as its first president for many years. Co-founder and first guide of the association was the late reserve infantry captain Loukas Dimitriadis.

Both before and after the association's founding, Dimitrios Mourelatos delivered many dozens of lectures in Greece, Europe, America, and Canada on the theme 'Mount Athos, ark of religious and national traditions,' contributing substantially to the promotion of Mount Athos and the association's work.

Orthodox Christians, men and women alike, may become members of the association by submitting an application that is reviewed by the Board of Directors.

Mission

The association's aims

The association's central aim is to develop closer ties with Mount Athos and to offer tangible support to the Athonite community.

  • Providing services to Mount Athos, including medical care, material and technical support, and assistance with practical needs.
  • Encouraging pilgrims to visit Mount Athos so that they may experience spiritual renewal and encounter the Athonite tradition firsthand.
  • Promoting and cultivating Greek Orthodox principles and traditions.

Means and activities

Pilgrimages, service, and spiritual life

To fulfill its mission, the association develops a wide range of pilgrimage, social, and spiritual activities.

  • Organizing pilgrimage visits for men to the Holy Monasteries, sketes, and cells of Mount Athos. These organized visits date back to as early as 1977.
  • Sending food supplies and work teams, mainly to kellia, huts, and hermitages, to provide practical assistance.
  • Organizing spiritual and religious events with Athonite elders and other distinguished spiritual figures.
  • Publishing the magazine 'ATHONITIS' with Orthodox, historical, and cultural content.
  • Encouraging members' participation in the liturgical life of the Church and cultivating closer bonds among them.

Work

Major events and initiatives

  • An annual spiritual event, usually held in March.
  • Three-day pilgrimage missions for men to Mount Athos, at least three times per year.
  • Day cruises for women from Ouranoupoli along the Athos peninsula, with guided commentary on the coastal monasteries and the opportunity to venerate holy relics brought aboard the vessel.
  • An annual General Assembly, usually combined with the cutting of the Vasilopita in January.
  • A festive event on July 5, the feast of Saint Athanasios the Athonite, patron saint of the association.
  • Social gatherings and pilgrimage excursions to monasteries in Greece and abroad.