First Dr. Heinz
Gstrein, an Orthodox theologian from Tyrol, living in Zürich,
Switzerland, an orientalist
and author of several books, introduced to the audience the life on the holy mountain of Athos,
located on the peninsula of Chalkidike in the north of Greece. His explanations were
accompanied by a presentation of beautiful slides. We learned that this special
mountain is reserved to be visited by men only. Some 3000 monks live there in
retreat, praying in the night, fighting even the dark forces of evil, and doing
manual or art work during the day.
After Dr. Gstrein’s explanations the audience had a chance
to ask questions to a monk from Athos, who was on a tour through Europe, personally: Mr. Nikon Lazarou, head of one of the
hermit communities on the holy Mountain, obviously enjoyed the chance to share
his insights and experiences with the audience. Among the guest were an abbot of an Austrian monastery, who is a regular
visitor to Athos and the Catholic professor for the Studies on Eastern Churches
from the University
of Vienna. After the
official program the guests were treated to a small buffet with Greek food.
