Pop star Madonna visited the Varlaam Monastery at Meteora in central Greece on August 14 for a private discussion on faith and spiritual guidance. Archimandrite Benedict Zacharakis, the abbot of the Eastern Orthodox monastery, revealed details of their meeting for the first time in an interview with the Greek publication Orthodox Truth.
The abbot said the American singer arrived discreetly during her summer vacation in Greece, seeking answers about Orthodox Christian prayer, religious iconography, and the salvation of the soul. He noted that her demeanor during the tour was simple and differed from how she is typically portrayed in mainstream media.
Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece known for its historic Eastern Orthodox monasteries built atop natural sandstone rock pillars. The Monastery of Varlaam, founded in the 14th century, is the second largest monastery in the Meteora complex.
Discreet preparations and arrival
Benedict explained that he was notified 15 days prior to August 14 of Madonna's intention to visit the monastery. She requested that her presence remain private, asking for no publicity and no special treatment.
The visit took place on Friday, August 14, the eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Although the monastery was regularly scheduled to be closed to the public that day, monks opened normally both for the religious holiday and to avoid giving special treatment to a celebrity visitor.
Madonna arrived after regular operating hours had ended. She toured the monastery grounds and visited the Katholikon, the main church building of the complex, where she asked questions about its traditional frescoes.
Discussions on prayer and Orthodox faith
Following the church tour, Benedict and Madonna sat in the archontariki, the guest reception hall of the monastery, for an extended conversation. The abbot said he had been informed beforehand that she had questions about the Orthodox faith and wished to experience moments of spiritual searching.
Benedict emphasized that he received her in the same manner he welcomes any ordinary visitor. He said she arrived with great simplicity and appeared as a regular person seeking guidance.
During their conversation, Madonna asked about metaphysical topics, prayer, and the komboskini prayer rope worn by the abbot. Benedict told her that the shortest and most important prayer in Orthodox tradition is Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, explaining that it acknowledges the omnipotence of Jesus.
The abbot added that Madonna was impressed by the monastery and interested in the core of spiritual life, noting that their dialogue centered on the salvation of the soul.
Regret over time constraints
Before leaving, Madonna expressed satisfaction with the visit but voiced regret over the limited time. Benedict recalled that she told her associates the trip had not been organized well and that she needed more time at the monastery.
Although efforts were made to keep the visit private, information and images of her presence at Varlaam began circulating after her tour. Madonna was raised in a Catholic environment and later explored Kabbalah, having spoken publicly on several occasions about her personal spirituality.
Benedict concluded that a person had requested spiritual guidance and that he simply fulfilled his pastoral duty.
