Orthodoxy refers to a set of beliefs and practices within Christianity that are associated with the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations, tracing its roots back to the early Christian church in the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is one of the largest Christian denominations in the world, with an estimated 250 million adherents worldwide.

At the heart of Orthodox Christianity is the belief in the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, whereas in the West, Christians believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. Other key beliefs include the importance of tradition, the sacraments, and the role of the Church as the body of Christ.

One of the distinctive features of Orthodoxy is its emphasis on tradition. Orthodox Christians believe that the teachings and practices of the Church have been handed down from the apostles and preserved through the centuries. This means that there is a great deal of emphasis on the writings of the Church Fathers, as well as on the liturgy and other aspects of worship. Many Orthodox Christians also place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of icons, which are images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. These icons are considered to be windows into the spiritual realm and are often used in prayer and meditation.

The sacraments are also an important part of Orthodox Christianity. There are seven sacraments in total, which include baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion), confession, holy orders, marriage, and the anointing of the sick. Orthodox Christians believe that these sacraments are channels of grace through which God works in the lives of believers.

Finally, the Orthodox Church places a great deal of emphasis on the role of the Church as the body of Christ. This means that the Church is not just a building or an institution, but is rather a community of believers who are united in their faith and worship. Orthodox Christians believe that the Church has a spiritual authority that comes from Christ himself and that this authority is exercised through the bishops, who are seen as the successors of the apostles.

Overall, Orthodoxy is a rich and complex tradition that has its roots in the early Christian church. Its emphasis on tradition, sacraments and the role of the Church as the body of Christ make it a distinctive and important part of the Christian faith.

Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula in northeastern Greece that is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.

Hiking on Mount Athos is a unique experience, but there are some restrictions and rules that must be followed. The peninsula is only accessible to men, and a special permit is required to enter. The number of visitors is also limited, and advance booking is necessary.

Here are some tips for hiking on Mount Athos: Visit Mount Athos

Get a permit: As mentioned, a permit is required to enter Mount Athos. You can apply for a permit through the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau, which is based in Thessaloniki. Make sure to apply well in advance as the number of permits is limited.

Dress appropriately: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for a monastic environment. Long pants and shirts are required, and women are not allowed to enter.

Be respectful: Remember that Mount Athos is a holy site for Orthodox Christianity, and visitors are expected to be respectful of the monasteries and their inhabitants. Follow the rules and regulations, and avoid any behavior that could be seen as disrespectful.

Plan your route: There are several hiking trails on Mount Athos, but visitors are not allowed to wander freely. You will need to plan your route in advance and stick to the designated trails.

Bring appropriate gear: Depending on the time of year, the weather on Mount Athos can be unpredictable. Make sure to bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Enjoy the scenery: Mount Athos is a beautiful and unique place, so take the time to appreciate the scenery and the monasteries.

Remember that hiking on Mount Athos is a privilege, and visitors are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully.

Mount Athos Karyes the Kapital.Karyes has been the seat of the self-governing body of Mount Athos and the seat of the ‘protos’ since the 10th century. At that time the settlement comprised some small older monasteries and the residences of representatives of distant ones.

Vatopedi was built on the site of an early Christian settlement dating from Late Antiquity. In 2000, the Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities excavated the foundations of an early Christian basilica.

The monastery was built under the supervision of two Georgian monks, John the Iberian and Tornike Eristavi between 980–83 and housed Georgian clergy and priests. It was founded on the site of the former Monastery of Clement.

Hiking Mt Athos. The natural beauty and spiritual ambiance of Mount Athos provide the perfect opportunity for those pilgrims seeking to combine their tour of monastic life with hiking.

Mount Athos, the well-known Garden of Our Lady, is known throughout the world for its great spirituality since there are some of the most important monasteries of Christianity

Agion Oros could well be the most beautiful and unspoiled part of Greece. Its rich vegetation, the virgin landscape, the thick forests, the wild rocks, the clear blue sea,