Greece - Mount Athos

Back in 2014, I encountered a sourdough in Amfilochia that had been made with water contaminated by microorganisms from basil leaves during the Stavros celebration. Fast forward to 2022, I got the opportunity to visit Mount Athos, specifically the Xenofontos monastery. Mount Athos, located in northern Greece, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved wildlife and plant life. My friend Dimitris from Crete told me about a sourdough at that monastery, so we made a trip there to get it. The island itself is quite an experience; only men are allowed, you need to purchase a visa, and the monastery can only be reached by boat. Generally, camera crews are not allowed, but we were given permission by the abbot to visit and film the story of Stavros. A wheat sourdough created on the 14th of September (according to the Orthodox calendar) was blessed with a piece of the cross of Jesus Christ, which was found by Saint Helena in Jerusalem in 326. I hope you enjoy watching this unique footage of my "Quest for Sourdough" on Mount Athos.