Madonna Spent Three Hours at Varlaam Monastery

METEORA, GREECE — American celebrity Madonna spent approximately three hours at the Holy Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora on Aug. 14, reportedly seeking spiritual advice from the monastery’s abbot during a private visit shortly before her 68th birthday.

The singer arrived from Corfu by helicopter with her son and about a dozen companions. Because the monastery had already closed to the public, the monks opened the site specifically for her group. Madonna was accompanied by guides Patricia Mania and Dominiki Kalafati and reportedly maintained a discreet presence during her visit.

A monk told the Greek publication Proto Thema that Madonna’s conversation with the monastery’s abbot, Fr. Benedict, was particularly personal and spiritual. She reportedly expressed interest in spiritual matters and asked the abbot for “spiritual advice.” She also asked about the prayer rope he was carrying.

Madonna left Varlaam after about three hours and returned to Corfu, where she was continuing her vacation in Greece.

The Monastery of All Saints, commonly known as Varlaam, stands on one of Meteora’s imposing rock formations. Its history dates to the 14th century, when the ascetic Varlaam first inhabited the site. The present monastic community was established in the early 16th century by hieromonks Nektarios and Theophanis. Seven monks currently live at the monastery.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Blue Dream Summer Gala was scheduled for August 29.