10-17 September 2023, Lesvos
The Metochi Study Centre has been run and administered by the University of Agder since 1993. The study centre is located in a monastery annex dedicated to two Greek Orthodox saints, Saints Anargyroi (Kosmas and Damianos). The monastery was founded in the 16th Century as one of several annexes to the well-known Limónos Monastery. The monasteries are connected by a stone path from the same time period, stretching two kilometres over the hills. The annex Metochi has been restored in recent years, but is still characterized by its original simplicity.
Metochi study centre houses 25 bedrooms (including 6 bedrooms with bathroom), 13 showers, 9 toilets, auditorium/lounge, library/reading room, dining hall, courtyard and churches. The conditions are simple with bedrooms for 1-3 persons in restored monk cells.
Metochi is situated in the countryside by the bay of Kalloni, approximately one hour’s drive from the airport. The nearest town, Kalloni, is 2,5 km from Metochi. Kalloni is a local trading centre with banks, a post office, medical assistance, pharmacies and shops. The sandy beaches of the bay of Kalloni are at a distance of 3,5 km from Metochi. By the beach is a small fisherman’s village, Skala Kalloni, with cafes, taverns and some hotels. The landscape between Metochi and the villages is flat and well suited for bike rides.
The monastery is not in daily use by the church, but there are still restrictions as to activities and clothing. Participants are advised not to wear clothes equivalent to bathing outfits within the monastery walls. While visiting the main monastery Limónos, shoulders and knees should be covered.
The daily schedule at Metochi Study Centre
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 13:00 Recommended time for work/lectures
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Siesta/mesiméri, a quiet time to rest or work undisturbed
17:00 – 19:00 Recommended time for work/lectures
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
23:00 – 07:00 Quiet in the courtyard by the bedrooms