[plaiskegizils]

Dear Adonis,

How wonderful to hear that you are going to Greece. Even in the large cities,when church bell ring, people cross themselves, there are priests, monks, nuns visibly walking in the streets, Most shops carry icons of all sizes and price range, and of course, churches simply everywhere. It is so wonderful to be in a country in which the majority of people are Orthodox. Once, I lived there for just short of a month, and met so may educated, yet spiritual monks, witnessed so may pious Greek people, and vistiee many churches and monasteries. I was firs there in l987, when the Holy icon. "Axion Estin" was brought from Mt. Athos to Athens, and it was so touching to see the outpouring of love for the wonder-working Icon, much to the dismay of the socialist government! Almost two thirds of the Greek population came to venerate the icon! I had seen it in the Protaton, but when it was in Athens, it was a moving experience, for buses arrived from all parts of Greece 24 hours a day. There are so many lovely monasteries. My favorite is on the island of Zakinthos, where there is beautiful convent that makes the slippers for St.Dionysios of Zakinthos, the Wonderworker, who leaves his reliquary and wals around, and works miracles for people to this day. Zakinthos has a distinctive Italianate feel to it, for it once belonged to Venice. The convent has a beautiful chapel, and wonderful flowers. the nuns are meek and kind. Zakinthos is a beautiful place. Of course, you must go to Mt.Athos - there is no place like it on earth; you can stand at look at the Holy Mountain, shrouded in clouds, the sun sparkling on the sea, and the sense of all the centuries and centuries of holy monastic prayers. I am so happy for you!
Our Church has two convents and one men's monastery in Australia, and our Archbishop of Sydney and New Zealand is a most kind, thoughtful and gentle man. all who meet him can see these qualities immediately. He is a member of this brotherhood, and we still miss him terribly. I hope that one day you can meet him. It must be hard, with such great distances between urban centers, although I know that there is a large and strong Greek community in Australia. I have known many Australians, and they are quite an amazing people, cheerful, rugged, brave soldiers, and are enthusiastic world travellers. I hope that we will hear of your pilgrimage to Greece. Bless you Adonis!

Warmly,

Hieromonk Averky