This place is distinguished by a special silence and spiritual concentration. The simplicity of the architecture and the tranquility of nature help one to inwardly attune and leave worldly concerns behind.

The Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the greatest relics of Orthodoxy. Pilgrims from all over the world travel to Mount Athos to venerate this sacred treasure. However, access to Mount Athos is permitted only to men and only with special permission. Women are not allowed to enter Mount Athos.

At the metochion of the Vatopedi Monastery, a rare opportunity is given to venerate and kiss the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is brought here from Mount Athos. Every pilgrim will be able to approach the holy relic.

On the way to the metochion, we will visit other significant holy places.

Our first stop will be near the city of Kavala, at the place where the Apostle Paul began preaching Christianity in Europe. Here is the baptistery where the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian woman of Europe — Saint Lydia.

We will also visit an ancient monastery in every sense of the word, home to a miraculous icon not made by human hands, where you will be able to pray to the Mother of God and feel the grace of God.

In Kavala, there will be a stop for rest and lunch. This time will allow you to pause peacefully, gather your thoughts, and continue the journey in a prayerful spirit.

The final destination of the pilgrimage is the metochion of the Holy Athonite Vatopedi Monastery.

One of the three churches of the metochion is dedicated to the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “The Queen of All” (Pantanassa). The original icon is kept in the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, while the metochion preserves a blessed copy from which, through prayer, healings occur, including from serious illnesses.

Here is also kept a reliquary Cross containing a particle of the Life-Giving Wood of the Cross of the Lord.

For veneration, reliquaries containing particles of the relics of the Great Martyr George the Victory-Bearer, the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, Venerable Maximus of Vatopedi, and other saints brought from Mount Athos will be opened.

The monks of the metochion preserve numerous testimonies of help and consolation received through prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos after pilgrimage here.

Pilgrimage to the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos includes:
— Metochion of the Vatopedi Monastery
— Opportunity to venerate the Belt
— Church of “Pantanassa”
— Reliquary with a particle of the Life-Giving Cross
— Relics of the Saints
— Baptistery of Saint Lydia
— Kavala
— Monastery with a miraculous icon