From Delphi we drove to an area of Greece called Meteora, where there are historic Greek Orthodox monasteries perched on spectacular natural pillars.
Before the monasteries existed, monks lived in caves on the sides of the pillars.
At one time, 24 monasteries perched on these pillars. Six remain. We visited St. Stephen's, which now serves as a convent.
Women visiting St. Stephen's had to put skirts over their slacks to enter the monastery. We were not permitted to take photos inside the church.
The Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church, which predominates in Greece, are very similar. Some of the differences have to do with beliefs about the Holy Spirit and the role of the Pope. In the Orthodox Church, they cross themselves with their left hand, first at their forehead, than at the center, next the right side and ending at the left side, "over the heart," as our guide Alexandra told us.
Here our Greek guide Alexandra on the right is with Leigh, who organized many of the details of our tour. Alexandra told us that many of the the novices were young women or older women who had experienced "a strong disappointment." After three years at the convent, if the the women have "a full heart" they make final vows.
A way of transporting goods to the monastery.
Below is the city of Kalambaka, where we stayed.
The morning after we visited St. Stephen's we returned to Meteora.
Here we scrambled up some rocks to get an even better view. I didn't get quite as close to the edge as Tom!
Onto to Berea.
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