Α study visit to Greece within the framework of the course “Theology of the Icon”

Between 15 and 17 May 2026, third-year students from the Theology programme at Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” participated in a study visit to Greece within the framework of the course “Theology of the Icon,” taught by Assoc. Prof. Adriana Lubenova, who led the academic group on behalf of the Bulgarian side. The practical training was organised with the aim of providing students with direct exposure to the spiritual, artistic, and historical heritage of one of the most significant monastic centres of the Orthodox world – Meteora.

The hosts of the visit were His Eminence Metropolitan Theoklitos (Labrinakos), Metropolitan of Stagoi and Meteora of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as Prof. Athanasios Kapsalis, Rector of the Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens and Professor of the History of Christianity. As part of the academic programme, lectures and specialised presentations were also delivered by Prof. Georgios Koundouris, Dean of the Faculty of Pastoral Studies at the Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens and Professor of the History of Christianity, together with Chief Assistant Konstantinos Vafiadis, lecturer in Orthodox art and in the techniques and technology of ecclesiastical painting. They presented topics devoted to the history of Christianity, Orthodox art, the mural painting tradition, and the techniques of church painting from the Middle Ages to the present day.

During the visit, the students had the opportunity to engage directly with the rich history, architecture, mural decoration, and iconographic programmes of the monastic complexes of Meteora – the Monasteries of Great Meteoron, Varlaam, St Nicholas Anapausas, Rousanou, Holy Trinity, and St Stephen. Particular emphasis within the study practice was placed on the development of Orthodox monumental painting, the characteristics of post-Byzantine art, and the role of monastic centres as guardians of the spiritual and artistic tradition of Orthodoxy.

The students were also officially received by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Niphon Kapsalis, Abbot of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ (Great Meteoron), the largest and historically most significant monastic complex in Meteora, who also serves as Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Stagoi and Meteora.

The study visit provided the students with the opportunity for direct engagement with some of the most significant monuments of Orthodox Christian art and contributed to the deepening of their knowledge in the fields of theology, iconography, and the history of Christian art.

The leadership of the Theology programme expresses its gratitude to the hosts, lecturers, and clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Stagoi and Meteora for their hospitality, professionalism, and for the opportunity given to the students to become closely acquainted with the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orthodox world.
Athanasios Kapsalis
Prof. Church History of Christianity
Dean of the Academic Council of AEAA