In the west of Crete, where the destructive “Battle of Crete” raged in 1941, there is the Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC).
In 1968 Irinäus Galanákis, then Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinon, and his student Dr. Alexandros Papaderós founded the OAC. Its aim is to promote dialogue between people of different faiths and religions as well as between science, culture and faith. The OAC is under the spiritual patronage of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The OAC began its work during the dictatorship of the Greek military junta courageously. It was built on the site of the neighboring monastery of the Panagía Odigítria, which – like all of Western Crete – had to suffer severely under the German occupation.
Remembrance, encounter and education are still important services offered by the OAC to promote peaceful coexistence. It is currently one of the most important conference centers in Greece. Its activities include an Institute of Theology and Ecology.
Activities for volunteers:
Library (Cataloguing of books in German and English)
Reception service, taking care of visitors
Assistance at conferences and art projects (in winter with Greek school classes)
Housekeeping activities / hotel and kitchen
Support of the neighboring monastery of Gonia at events
Possibly visiting services in a retirement home of the Orthodox Church of Kastelli
(Annousákeio), where 70-80 elderly people live (www.annousakeio.gr/en/)
Requirements:
It is a denominational (Christian-Orthodox) project. Volunteers should be interested, open and respectful towards their partners. The activities are varied. Volunteers are needed who are active (even in the household or in the kitchen) and who are interested in educational work, theological questions, interfaith and inter religious dialogue.
The OAC is a relatively large institution, hierarchically organized and depending on the workload it can also be confusing for volunteers in the OAC. We are looking for independent people who are reliable.
Report by ASF volunteer Elina Pannier who is working in Kolymvari (01.09.2022-31.08.2023)
“My name is Elina and I work at the Orthodox Academy of Crete. The Academy is located in the western part of Crete, in Greece. I have been here for 9 months. Most of the time I work at the reception desk where my duties include checking in visitors, assisting with any issues they may have and being the friendly face of the academy. During the conferences, I often photograph the seminars and sometimes have the opportunity to join the conferences during their field trips. This has allowed me to explore and get to know the island better. Occasionally, I help in the kitchen or clean the rooms.
Four months ago, another volunteer joined me at the academy, and during the summer months, we expect more volunteers and interns. The academy is a great place to meet people from all over the world with different backgrounds. I have learned so much about a wide range of topics through the conferences. At the end of each conference, we have a Cretan night with live music and a traditional dance band. During the winter season, Crete becomes much quieter, including the academy. As a result, my duties during this period are a bit different. I mainly work in the library, cataloging and organizing books. We also had school classes visiting us, so I was photographing them as well. For six months, I attended Greek lessons twice a week in Chania, the nearest town. Two other volunteers in Chania also participated in these Greek classes.
In our free time, we often explored the island together, went to the beach or enjoyed the delicious Greek cuisine. Recently, the other volunteer and I started attending traditional Cretan dance classes. I live alone in an apartment on the academy campus. My neighbors include my mentor, the conference leader, our superintendent, an iconographer, and their families. In addition, our alumni secretary also resides on campus. I visit her often to chat in a mixture of Greek and German while we enjoy cookies and coffee. My apartment consists of two rooms, a kitchenette and a balcony with a view of the sea.”
Report by the first ASF volunteer Malena who is working in Kolymvari (1.09.21-31.08.22)
“During the first month I mostly worked on the reception, helped in the kitchen and took care of the Social Media accounts. Many international groups came in September and October, so I had the opportunity to join some excursions around the island ( for example boat and snorkel tours or exploring hidden beaches) and to meet different kind of people.
Now in winter most of my work takes place in my office where I sort documents and billets but I also have some things to do in the in-house library. Two times a week I participate in Greek lessons in Chania together with Carleen ( who is also an ASF volunteer) and other students.
I really enjoy living right by the sea and to have the possibility to explore the Crete nature. Sometimes I am a bit bored because I didn’t really get to know some Young Greek people yet but I am sure that will change in summer and I am looking forward to the next months of my voluntary service.”
In cooperation with:
