Kastoria: The 4th Karavaggeleia and the Vision of Pilgrimage Tourism (English Version)

By Spyros Asimakopoulos, Press and Media Officer of the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria

This is an English translation of this article.

From 11–15 February 2026, Kastoria stood at the centre of ecclesiastical, cultural and political attention in Greece with the staging of the 4th Karavaggeleia — an institution that is now firmly established as an annual cultural event of the region.

The “Karavaggeleia”, organised by the Holy Metropolis of Kastoria in collaboration with the Region of Western Macedonia and the Municipalities of Kastoria and Argos Orestiko, are dedicated to the memory of the legendary Hierarch Germanos Karavaggelis. The initiative is both the inspiration and pastoral vision of the current Metropolitan, His Eminence Kallinikos.

“Kastoria and Meteora”: Two Connected Pilgrimage Destinations

This year’s theme, “Kastoria and Meteora”, highlighted the spiritual and historical bonds between Kastoria and Meteora — one of Orthodoxy’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.

Kastoria is home to dozens of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, monasteries and ecclesiastical monuments. It is actively claiming its place on the map of religious tourism, in direct connection with Meteora. This link forms a powerful pilgrimage axis that can serve as a driver of both economic and cultural development.

The strategic objective is clear: the preservation, promotion, accessibility and active use of these monuments, alongside positioning Kastoria as an internationally recognised destination for pilgrimage travel through cooperation between the Church, the State and local stakeholders.

Government Presence with Symbolism and Substance

The events were given particular significance and prestige through the presence of members of the Greek Government. Among those in attendance were the Minister for National Defence Nikolaos Dendias, the Minister for Culture Lina Mendoni, the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs Sofia Zacharaki, the Minister for Family Affairs Domna Michailidou, as well as the Deputy Ministers for Health Dimitrios Vartzopoulos and Tourism Anna Karamanli.

Also present were the Chiefs of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis.

Metropolitans, Bishops, academics, researchers, teachers and students also participated and delivered addresses.

Their collective presence underscored that the promotion of Kastoria as a “Living Byzantine Lady” can be integrated into a broader national development framework, with particular emphasis on religious tourism.

The Dimension of the Australian Greek Diaspora

Special reference was made to the Kastorian Greeks of the “fifth continent”, Australia.

The expatriate community was represented by businessman Paul Afkos, whom Metropolitan Kallinikos publicly thanked — expressing gratitude and praise through him to all Kastorians of the “New World”.

A proposed visit by the Metropolitan to Kastorian communities in Australia was also announced.

The participation, sponsorship contributions and ongoing interest of Kastorians in Australia serve as a bridge of outward engagement, promoting Kastoria in the New World as a place of pilgrimage significance and living tradition.

Event Outcomes: New Projects and Initiatives

During the events, a series of projects and initiatives were announced and published in the form of official resolutions. Among the 30 resolutions, the most significant include:

• Advancing funding for the Ecclesiastical Treasury (Relics and Artefacts Collection).
• Allocation of a building and church within a decommissioned military camp to support the Metropolis’ charitable food program.
• Establishment of a Pilgrimage Tourism Office.
• Conservation works for ten additional historic churches.
• Completion of preparations for the Kallistheneion to operate as a Day Care Centre for Comprehensive Dementia Care.
• Strengthening of children’s camps and promotion of the establishment of a Childcare Centre.
• Construction of a new church including an Episcopal ossuary.

Conclusions: From Vision to Action

The 4th Karavaggeleia demonstrated that Kastoria possesses all the qualities and characteristics required to evolve into a centre of pilgrimage travel and religious tourism with both national and international reach.

The utilisation of its natural, historical, cultural and spiritual wealth is part of a structured plan built on four pillars: Prominence – Promotion – Accessibility – Operation.

At a time when regional Greece faces demographic decline and economic pressure, this initiative stands as an example of coordinated action — and, above all, meaningful collaboration between Church and State. May the messages and seeds planted during this year’s Karavaggeleia bear fruit and reveal Kastoria to the world for what it truly is: a living centre of Hellenic Orthodox tradition and a place of enduring pilgrimage significance.