GRCG34, ATHOS II- Macedonia

Dates: 24/08 - 04/09
Type: Renovation / Construction placement.
Location: Mount Athos is situated in the entire third, eastern and most beautiful peninsula of Halkidiki (Macedonia, northern Greece), called the peninsula of Athos. It is the only place in Greece completely dedicated to prayer and worship of God. For this reason, it is called the Holy Mount. It covers an area of about 350 square kilometres and of an extraordinary natural beauty. The Holy Mount is a self- governed part of the Greek state, subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its political aspect and to the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinopole as regards its religious aspect. It has been divided into twenty self- governed territories. Each territory consists of a cardinal monastery and some other monastic establishments that surround it (cloisters, cells, cottages, seats, hermitages). All the monasteries are communes (of a convent nature) and that means that liturgy, prayer, housing, nourishing and work are shared among the monks. The Cell of St George is located to the north of Karyes, the capital of the Holy Mount, towards the famous Vatopedi Monastery. Monk Isaac is the only one monk living there (the Cell was abandoned for twenty years), who has dedicated his life in the renovation of the Cell since 2003. In 2007, as in 2006, he is going to continue this mission with the important help of volunteers.
Terminal: Athens international airport "El. Venizelos", Thessaloniki international airport "Macedonia".
Work: Volunteers will help the renovation and conservation works, but they are also going to learn how to produce themselves frankincense and candles.
Accommodation & Food: In small dormitories of the Cell (Showers, toilets, kitchen are provided). Volunteers are going to prepare meals themselves in shifts or help monk Isaac.
Free Time: In their free time, participants will have the opportunity to get in touch with the everyday life of the community; they may attend masses and liturgies and they will have the chance to communicate with unworldly men. Volunteers will discuss their free time activities with their camp leader; together they are going to organise excursions and visits around the area.
Placement cost in EURO: 0
# Volunteers: 10
Notes: This workcamp is only for male participants. Volunteers must keep in mind that they have to respect the monastic rules and that they have to behave properly. During the first three days of CVG33 and during the first four days of CVG34, volunteers must know that Father Isaac will not serve any meat, cheese or olive oil to the volunteers, as there is a very austere fast before two great celebrations of those periods: St Apostoles and Madonna's Dormition.