Pilgrimage and overnight stay in the chapel of St. Theodosius
On June 29th in the morning, around 8 am, we gather at the village square, load the heavy things on the horses (e.g. Genetria, horseshoes, tents) and start walking for 10 minutes to the beginning of the path to Ag.Theodosios. The total route is about an hour and a half of walking at a gentle pace. The trail is easy, has no steep spots and is in nature. Once we arrive we rest, drink tsipouro and eat from the snacks we have made and set up the tents. Then we clean the church and the courtyard, while at the same time we light the fire to grill what everyone has brought (souvlaki, sausages, steaks, pancetta) and also the lamb that the church owners put up for free every year. In the evening we eat, drink, party, tell stories, dance, if there is a live orchestra, if not with the speaker, gather around the fire and spend time together. We sleep either in the tents or inside the church if the weather is rainy. The next morning on June 30th, there is a liturgy and service in the chapel, snacks, tsipouro, loukoumi and a second round of meats are offered and roasted early in the morning. Other pilgrims from the village come and so a feast is again set up. The location of the church is in the middle of the mountain, with tall trees, endless beauty and cool water. Nearby there is a river where we usually go for a swim, depending on the weather, and at noon on June 30th we return to the village. There is a strong feeling of hospitality as this institution has been going on for over 60 years!
Starting time: 29/6, 8a.m. – 30/6, 12:30p.m
Available: 29-30 June
Available in: Greek, English
Target group: Adults, Children over 12, Children under 12
What you’ll need: Raincoat, water, food, climbing shoes, tent, warm clothes, torch
What we provide: Snacks, Water
Book before: Even the day before
Meet your hosts
Tzina Theodosia
My family has been actively involved in the preparation for the last 25 years, my dad has been going since he was a kid, he is now 58 years old, I have been going since I was 1 year old, I am now 26, so are my sisters, my mom has been with my dad for 26 years. The lady who owns the church, although a fighter, this year she may not be allowed to come because of her age of 78. Our good friend Panagis gives his horses and mules pro bono for our convenience and his son, Vasilis is present in whatever is needed. Generally all the residents of the village help in their own way.
Location: The chapel is in the middle of the mountain, there is drinking water, the village authorities are responsible for the cleaning of the reservoir and the opening of the path with my dad and Panagi, there is also the river nearby as I mentioned before, tall trees, coolness and tranquility characterizes our stay so I suggest thick clothes for the night.
