Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos

Holy Cross seminarians assisted in chanting a Trisagion service for Metropolitan Ezekiel of Pisidia, a former Dean of Holy Cross. The Trisagion was offered by V. Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado. Photo: Hellenic College Holy Cross/Facebook

THESSALONIKI — The Holy Cross St. Helen’s Pilgrimage concluded with profound spiritual moments as seminarians spent their final days in Thessaloniki and on Mount Athos. The group visited the Theological School at Aristotle University, where they were welcomed by Dean Fr. Athanasios Gikas and President Prof. Nikos Maghioros for a tour and dialogue with faculty.

The pilgrimage culminated on Mount Athos, where the group stayed at Xenophontos Monastery and was warmly received by Abbot Alexios and the monastic brotherhood, including Holy Cross alumni. A Trisagion service was offered by Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado in memory of Metropolitan Ezekiel of Pisidia, a former Holy Cross dean, at his gravesite within the monastery grounds.

This deeply prayerful experience, supported by the lasting generosity of Helen A. Carlos, offered students renewed spiritual strength and a deeper connection to their Orthodox heritage as they prepare for future ministry.

Previously, UOJ reported that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America had led a pilgrimage to Nicaea.

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