The 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Mount Athos Center was celebrated in splendid style on Sunday 28 September in the central auditorium of the Olympion Cinema in Thessaloniki, in the presence of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Philotheos, representatives of the Holy Community of Mount Athos, clergymen and prelates, state representatives, members of the academic community and a large number of friends.
The event commenced with a welcome address by the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, who, amongst other things, stated that: ‘The presence of Mount Athos is represented by the Mount Athos Center, which has become a beacon of culture, enabling the citizens of Thessaloniki and visitors to the city to sense the fragrant aroma of the Garden of the Virgin Mary. It will continue to operate in the same faithful and creative spirit.’
Elder Nikodimos Agiopavlitis, representing the Holy Community of Mount Athos, read out a speech on behalf of the Holy Community, which began by mentioning how the idea of founding the Mount Athos Center was born in 1997 when Thessaloniki was Cultural Capital of Europe, and by pointing out how from the outset the venture was supported by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Elder Nikodimos went on to point out some of the organisation’s most important activities and then concluded with the following remarks: ‘Thessaloniki, as the gateway to Mount Athos, has been enriched by the Mount Athos Center through its acquisition of a cultural centre of international renown that has bolstered tourism, education and research, providing young researchers and students with direct access to primary material and opportunities to meet researchers of international standing. An important tool in the Center’s operations has been its collaboration with universities in Greece and abroad, as well as museums and other institutions, making the Mount Athos Center a forum for the exchange of knowledge, cultural inquiry and spiritual dialogue… In conclusion, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Municipality of Thessaloniki for the concern it has shown, its financial support, and the valuable time it has devoted, in the midst of various difficulties – difficulties of the kind that always beset any kind of spiritual venture. We would also like to highlight the love and respect with which the Municipality’s associates have embraced, supported and realised our common goals. And we believe that future historians will not fail to make note of the undivided support they showed for the foundation and consolidation of this work of great public benefit.’
This was followed by the screening of a documentary presenting the history and work of the Mount Athos Center. Immediately afterwards, the Mayor of Thessaloniki and President of the Board of Directors of the Mount Athos Center, Mr. Stelios Angeloudis, took the floor. The mayor began by stressing the centuries-old relationship between the city of Thessaloniki and Mount Athos: ‘Mount Athos, then, is the most fundamental part of Christendom, it is the Ark of Orthodoxy, while the All-Holy Virgin Mary protects with her loving care all the monks who serve and care for her Garden, together with all those others who serve it in various ways. This special blessing of the hallowed Mountain of Athos has for centuries lain over our city and imparted Athos’s grace and blessings to all its citizens… A unique blessing that laid the foundations for our city’s bond with the Athonite State, a strong enduring bond that led to its becoming the gateway to the Holy Mountain. For the Athonite monks, Thessaloniki has been their capital outside their borders, while Mount Athos has served as a refuge for the Thessalonians – a spiritual refuge that has brought – and continues to bring – them deliverance in all their difficult moments… This centuries-old relationship between Mount Athos and Thessaloniki was continued and strengthened by the foundation of the Mount Athos Center.’
The Mayor of Thessaloniki concluded his speech with the following remarks: ‘2025, then, constitutes a landmark year for the Mount Athos Center as it is celebrating 25 years of creative and successful cultural, scientific and spiritual work in Thessaloniki, Greece and abroad. Its work – considerable and impressive in terms of its size and quality, and carried out by a capable and dedicated staff, together with a network of associates, individuals and organisations of international acclaim – remains as a precious cultural, scientific and spiritual legacy for Thessaloniki… It is a great honour for me personally to serve as the city’s mayor and president of the Mount Athos Center, and from the very first moment that I assumed office I devoted myself totally to my duties, showing a constant love for the organisation and a constant presence at its functions – a dedication that will continue throughout the rest of my tenure.’
In concluding his speech, the Mayor of Thessaloniki invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to take the floor. Before beginning his address, the Patriarch was presented with a gift from the Mount Athos Center in the form of a portrait of the Patriarch himself by the artist Giorgos Taxidis, with whom the Center had collaborated in an artistic programme and in organising the exhibition ‘Mount Athos: Land of Silence.’
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew began his address by talking about the reason for the gathering: ‘It is with great joy and emotion that I find myself amongst you today, in this cradle of saints Thessaloniki, to celebrate with you the splendid occasion of the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Mount Athos Center. This anniversary is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God, the giver of all good things, who has blessed the foundation of this institution and the fruitful path it has followed. We wholeheartedly congratulate all those who have played a part in the witness this precious body has given to the world: the Holy Community of Mount Athos, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the members of the Center’s Board of Directors, all those scientists, researchers and associates who have collaborated with the Center, and all the staff members of the Center itself. We convey the blessing of the Mother Church of Constantinople and bestow our warm paternal blessings upon you all.’
Regarding the Center’s activities, the Patriarch stressed that: ‘Throughout the last twenty-five years, the Mount Athos Center has served as an ark of Athonite culture. Its numerous activities attest to the multidimensional character of this service. The Center organises exhibitions that present the centuries-old monastic tradition and great spiritual heritage of the Athonite State. It has published a specialised series of books on Mount Athos, Orthodox monasticism and Byzantine civilisation. On an annual basis, it holds a series of international conferences, scientific workshops, talks and various other activities supporting and promoting the aims of the Mount Athos Center. It has produced important scientific studies and issued offprints of works from the libraries of the holy monasteries. In short, the Mount Athos Center is a living centre of research, culture and spiritual service, whose contribution to the whole of the Orthodox world and the world in general is both important and unique.’
The Patriarch went on to focus on monasticism and culture, through the witness given by Mount Athos. He concluded his address with the following congratulatory wishes: ‘On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Mount Athos Center, to all those involved in the Center’s work, we reaffirm our patriarchal satisfaction and our paternal affection, in gratitude for the tireless efforts they have made and are continuing to make. On beholding the rich fruits borne by this sacred mission, Our Modesty rejoices and congratulates you.’
Following the Patriarch’s address, the director of the Mount Athos Center, Mr. Anastasios Ntouros, presented the most important moments in the life of the institution over the last twenty-five years (exhibitions in Greece and abroad, publications, scientific events) and mentioned the previous director of the Center, Mr. Dimitris Salpistis, and the good working relationship they developed during the time they worked together. Referring to the Center’s future activities, Mr. Ntouros stated that the main priorities were to complete the record of the iconographic programmes of Athos’s churches, to digitise the Center’s archives and improve the organisation of its library, to oversee the completion of the current research projects and production of the publications that have been planned, and to present a number of major exhibitions on Mount Athos, such as one on Fotis Kontoglou and his relationship with the Holy Mountain. Mr. Ntouros concluded his speech by referring to the Center’s vision for a new building: ‘However, our main vision is to provide a solution to the problem of the Center’s premises. Already the Nedelkos Building that houses our services and some of our events is too small for our needs. What we envision is the creation of a new, modern building at the back of our courtyard which will blend harmoniously with the traditional architecture of the present, listed building and enable us to function as a modern cultural and spiritual organisation. We hope that we will be able to achieve this.’
The event was graced by the singing of Byzantine hymns by the students forming the choir of the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy, who travelled from Mount Athos with their choirmaster, Mr. Anastasios Sideris, to take part in the event. Hymns were also sung by the Byzantine choir ‘Philathonitai’, directed by Mr. Demetris Manousis.
View the embedded image gallery online at:
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https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProId18d7684dfb
Elder Nikodimos Agiopavlitis, representing the Holy Community of Mount Athos, read out a speech on behalf of the Holy Community, which began by mentioning how the idea of founding the Mount Athos Center was born in 1997 when Thessaloniki was Cultural Capital of Europe, and by pointing out how from the outset the venture was supported by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Elder Nikodimos went on to point out some of the organisation’s most important activities and then concluded with the following remarks: ‘Thessaloniki, as the gateway to Mount Athos, has been enriched by the Mount Athos Center through its acquisition of a cultural centre of international renown that has bolstered tourism, education and research, providing young researchers and students with direct access to primary material and opportunities to meet researchers of international standing. An important tool in the Center’s operations has been its collaboration with universities in Greece and abroad, as well as museums and other institutions, making the Mount Athos Center a forum for the exchange of knowledge, cultural inquiry and spiritual dialogue… In conclusion, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Municipality of Thessaloniki for the concern it has shown, its financial support, and the valuable time it has devoted, in the midst of various difficulties – difficulties of the kind that always beset any kind of spiritual venture. We would also like to highlight the love and respect with which the Municipality’s associates have embraced, supported and realised our common goals. And we believe that future historians will not fail to make note of the undivided support they showed for the foundation and consolidation of this work of great public benefit.’
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProId98bb46338a
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProId98bb46338a
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdef15adb54c
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdef15adb54c
This was followed by the screening of a documentary presenting the history and work of the Mount Athos Center. Immediately afterwards, the Mayor of Thessaloniki and President of the Board of Directors of the Mount Athos Center, Mr. Stelios Angeloudis, took the floor. The mayor began by stressing the centuries-old relationship between the city of Thessaloniki and Mount Athos: ‘Mount Athos, then, is the most fundamental part of Christendom, it is the Ark of Orthodoxy, while the All-Holy Virgin Mary protects with her loving care all the monks who serve and care for her Garden, together with all those others who serve it in various ways. This special blessing of the hallowed Mountain of Athos has for centuries lain over our city and imparted Athos’s grace and blessings to all its citizens… A unique blessing that laid the foundations for our city’s bond with the Athonite State, a strong enduring bond that led to its becoming the gateway to the Holy Mountain. For the Athonite monks, Thessaloniki has been their capital outside their borders, while Mount Athos has served as a refuge for the Thessalonians – a spiritual refuge that has brought – and continues to bring – them deliverance in all their difficult moments… This centuries-old relationship between Mount Athos and Thessaloniki was continued and strengthened by the foundation of the Mount Athos Center.’
The Mayor of Thessaloniki concluded his speech with the following remarks: ‘2025, then, constitutes a landmark year for the Mount Athos Center as it is celebrating 25 years of creative and successful cultural, scientific and spiritual work in Thessaloniki, Greece and abroad. Its work – considerable and impressive in terms of its size and quality, and carried out by a capable and dedicated staff, together with a network of associates, individuals and organisations of international acclaim – remains as a precious cultural, scientific and spiritual legacy for Thessaloniki… It is a great honour for me personally to serve as the city’s mayor and president of the Mount Athos Center, and from the very first moment that I assumed office I devoted myself totally to my duties, showing a constant love for the organisation and a constant presence at its functions – a dedication that will continue throughout the rest of my tenure.’
In concluding his speech, the Mayor of Thessaloniki invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to take the floor. Before beginning his address, the Patriarch was presented with a gift from the Mount Athos Center in the form of a portrait of the Patriarch himself by the artist Giorgos Taxidis, with whom the Center had collaborated in an artistic programme and in organising the exhibition ‘Mount Athos: Land of Silence.’
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew began his address by talking about the reason for the gathering: ‘It is with great joy and emotion that I find myself amongst you today, in this cradle of saints Thessaloniki, to celebrate with you the splendid occasion of the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Mount Athos Center. This anniversary is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God, the giver of all good things, who has blessed the foundation of this institution and the fruitful path it has followed. We wholeheartedly congratulate all those who have played a part in the witness this precious body has given to the world: the Holy Community of Mount Athos, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the members of the Center’s Board of Directors, all those scientists, researchers and associates who have collaborated with the Center, and all the staff members of the Center itself. We convey the blessing of the Mother Church of Constantinople and bestow our warm paternal blessings upon you all.’
Regarding the Center’s activities, the Patriarch stressed that: ‘Throughout the last twenty-five years, the Mount Athos Center has served as an ark of Athonite culture. Its numerous activities attest to the multidimensional character of this service. The Center organises exhibitions that present the centuries-old monastic tradition and great spiritual heritage of the Athonite State. It has published a specialised series of books on Mount Athos, Orthodox monasticism and Byzantine civilisation. On an annual basis, it holds a series of international conferences, scientific workshops, talks and various other activities supporting and promoting the aims of the Mount Athos Center. It has produced important scientific studies and issued offprints of works from the libraries of the holy monasteries. In short, the Mount Athos Center is a living centre of research, culture and spiritual service, whose contribution to the whole of the Orthodox world and the world in general is both important and unique.’
The Patriarch went on to focus on monasticism and culture, through the witness given by Mount Athos. He concluded his address with the following congratulatory wishes: ‘On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Mount Athos Center, to all those involved in the Center’s work, we reaffirm our patriarchal satisfaction and our paternal affection, in gratitude for the tireless efforts they have made and are continuing to make. On beholding the rich fruits borne by this sacred mission, Our Modesty rejoices and congratulates you.’
Following the Patriarch’s address, the director of the Mount Athos Center, Mr. Anastasios Ntouros, presented the most important moments in the life of the institution over the last twenty-five years (exhibitions in Greece and abroad, publications, scientific events) and mentioned the previous director of the Center, Mr. Dimitris Salpistis, and the good working relationship they developed during the time they worked together. Referring to the Center’s future activities, Mr. Ntouros stated that the main priorities were to complete the record of the iconographic programmes of Athos’s churches, to digitise the Center’s archives and improve the organisation of its library, to oversee the completion of the current research projects and production of the publications that have been planned, and to present a number of major exhibitions on Mount Athos, such as one on Fotis Kontoglou and his relationship with the Holy Mountain. Mr. Ntouros concluded his speech by referring to the Center’s vision for a new building: ‘However, our main vision is to provide a solution to the problem of the Center’s premises. Already the Nedelkos Building that houses our services and some of our events is too small for our needs. What we envision is the creation of a new, modern building at the back of our courtyard which will blend harmoniously with the traditional architecture of the present, listed building and enable us to function as a modern cultural and spiritual organisation. We hope that we will be able to achieve this.’
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdcdfed5a2dd
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdcdfed5a2dd
The event was graced by the singing of Byzantine hymns by the students forming the choir of the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy, who travelled from Mount Athos with their choirmaster, Mr. Anastasios Sideris, to take part in the event. Hymns were also sung by the Byzantine choir ‘Philathonitai’, directed by Mr. Demetris Manousis.
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdb22a82df25
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProIdb22a82df25
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProId04a0cf8ebb
https://www.agioritikiestia.gr/en/the-25th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-foundation-of-the-mount-athos-center#sigProId04a0cf8ebb
