09/17/2026
Pilgrimage of Holy Trinity Cathedral Parishioners to the Holy Mountain of Athos
On September 13, a group of pilgrims under the spiritual guidance of the Rector of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto, Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko, arrived safely in Greece.
During the pilgrimage, which will continue until September 23, the participants are visiting the holy sites of Greece and the Holy Mountain of Athos, venerating wonderworking icons, and becoming acquainted with the centuries-old traditions of Orthodox monastic life.
Father Vladimir has already sent the first photographs from the Holy Mountain. The photographs capture ancient Athonite monasteries, the magnificent interiors of monastery churches, picturesque views of monasteries along the shores of the Aegean Sea, and moments from the pilgrims’ journey.
During their first days on the Holy Mountain, the pilgrims have already had the opportunity to visit several renowned Athonite holy sites: Old Russikon (Nagorny Russik), the Skete of the Holy Prophet Elias, the Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon (Russikon), Stavronikita Monastery, and the ancient Skete of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, known as Xylourgou, which is closely associated with the earliest history of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos.
These visits have afforded the pilgrims an opportunity to encounter the centuries-old spiritual heritage of the Holy Mountain and to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Russian monasticism on Athos.
It is with great joy that we share these photographs with the parishioners of our cathedral. We extend our heartfelt wishes to our dear Father Vladimir and all the participants in the pilgrimage for strength, spiritual joy, grace-filled prayer, and God's help in all their remaining labours and travels.
May the Most Holy Theotokos, the Abbess of the Holy Mountain of Athos, preserve our pilgrims beneath Her holy Protection and grant them a safe return home!
We eagerly look forward to receiving more photographs and hearing further accounts of their pilgrimage.
Photographs courtesy of Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko.
