ATHENS – AHEPA-Greece’s Ilion Chapter HJ-37 in Attiki welcomed the abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, on the evening of Thursday, November 10.

Elder Ephraim gave a speech on ‘Holy Messages’ at the Mikis Theodorakis Center for Cultural, Sports and Social Activities of the Municipality of Ilion northwest of Athens. The Elder captivated the audience speaking extemporaneously and truly delivering ‘Holy Messages’ as was the title of his talk.

The Elder is currently in Athens accompanying the ‘Agia Zoni’ or the Sacred Belt of the Virgin Mary, which he brought to the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Piraeus from the renowned monastery. The Zoni arrived in Piraeus on November 5 and was welcomed with ‘head of state honors’ by the Metropolitan of Piraeus Seraphim.

Until November 13, the day on which the Agia Zoni will return to Mount Athos, Piraeus and especially the church of Agios Nikolaos will be the focus of pilgrimages in the Attiki basin with thousands of believers daily standing reverently and patiently in line to worship and receive the grace of the Most Holy Theotokos. For this reason, the church will remain open for 24 hours a day and daily liturgies will be held.