22 Ukrainian soldiers traveled over 1,000 km from Lviv to Greece’s Athos peninsula, seeking refuge from the trauma of battle, reuters.com has reported.
In an article by Alexandros Avramides, it is mentioned that the soldiers visited monasteries on Mount Athos, a spiritual center since the 10th century, as part of a psychological support program organised by Ukrainian authorities.
The soldiers, some with visible injuries like amputations and others battling emotional scars, spent four days visiting Greek Orthodox monasteries, taking communion, praying for loved ones, and finding moments of peace.
“We already see that these five days spent on Athos will replace at least a year of rehabilitation in Ukraine, in hospitals or other medical centres,” said Orest Kavetskyi, a Lviv regional official who helped organise the trip.
Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains a male-only pilgrimage. Ukrainian soldiers visited Greek Orthodox sites exclusively, as Greece, a NATO member, supports Ukraine in the war, straining ties with Moscow.
The soldiers found solace in the chapels’ thick stone walls, incense-filled air, and stunning Aegean views. Between services, they shared stories and reflected on their journey.
The war, sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated in December 2024 that 43,000 Ukrainian service members had been killed, with 370,000 wounded.
Despite the devastating toll, the soldiers’ visit to Mount Athos offered a glimmer of hope and renewal amidst the ongoing conflict.
Source: Reuters
