Athina Krikeli – From New York to Pantheon Mt. Olympus Hellas

Interview to Baklava Maria Christina - Europolitis

“You feel like sharing something grand, something imposing, you have a sense that you are part of a ritual, a holy ceremony, a part of a ‘Liturgy’ that does not really exist. It’s like having your DNA dancing at the rhythms of ancient ‘chorus’, repeating again and again vows of faith and trust to Hellas (Greece). Your body simply operates like a vehicle that you leave it at the top of the mountain once you get there, to regain strength for the descent and the journey back. Up there You don’t feel mortal at all - the great Mt Olympus will not allow it…”

1. What was it that has urged you to get involved with Mt Olympus?                         
Although I originally come from Thessaly - central Hellas (Greece) - I have never known till now that Mt Olympus could be accessed also through our region (Thessaly). 
Reason for this ...‘discovery’ of mine was an invitation from a friend - Nikos Ntagas – a colleague  of Ellopia Media Group -  to follow him to a guided tour he had organized up Mt Olympus a few years back.  Nikos Ntagas of Olympus Adventure has been actually the man who has originally ‘introduced’ me to the Mountain of the Gods! From there onwards I think it is the great Mountain Olympus itself that has taken over me and guiding me ever since... 
When one gets to experience this special place, climbs up to the highest peak, the Pantheon, then she or he gets actually adopted by the mountain itself... 
    Just for the record, it is worth mentioning that the original name of  - PANTHEON - has been changed with no reason what so ever, to this new meaningless word ‘Mytikas’ which is the name that prevails to these days. As a result of this careless and thoughtless, in my opinion action, the name of ‘‘PANTHEON’’, as a location, is being represented on Wikipedia  only by the Pantheon in Rome, Italy - an ancient building, originally built in 27 BC as a temple and later in Christian times converted into a church. (If you simply follow a search in Google, in English, on the word ‘Pantheon’, then you will see what I mean...)!!!
2. What difficulties have you met during the process?
Well, first of all I have to admit or better clarify that I am not a climber (mountaineer) but I am simply a journalist, so as you can understand for me many of these climbing processes/ascents were beyond my skills and my capabilities. Never the less, the rest of the Team had been the ‘reference point’ for me! Great people to work with, unique lovers of Mt Olympus, all of us shared the same vision: ‘‘ to promote our own Olympus and our own country at the best of our abilities’’! Moreover, our basic problem has always been and still is the financial bit. You see, this is happen if you are not under the umbrella of any political party, faction, or ...clique in Hellas, or in simple words if you do not belong to the ‘courtiers’!  good  intentions, international festival recognition etc are not elements for consideration! 
Nobody has contributed financially towards our cause in promoting the Greek Olympus, no Local Authorities got interested in any way – neither any Municipality nor any District Administration Office – with the only exception the Municipality of Litochoro, who even though they did not contribute financially towards the Olympus project, they expressed and  support otherwise by offering assistance in facilitating our journeys in every other way (accommodation, meals, interest, appreciation, support…).
    I have to add here that the 1st documentary about Olympus – ‘Elassona: the Secret path to Mt Olympus’ (of 12 total mini documentaries) that was shown in USA, has already won 2 First Prizes (Best Shorts Competition and Indie International Film Festival), (nominated also for a First Prize in the International Documentary Festival in Korea).
3. Which were the most important moments of this ascent?
Every step I made that brought me closer to the ‘inner depths’ of Olympus had been for me a thankful expression of appreciation and gratitude – it felt like a prayer, reaching so close to the ‘heart’ of Mt Olympus - it felt like feeling the heartbeat of the Great Mountain itself!  
At the summit, ‘Pantheon’ I felt differently…, I don’t think I can ever be able to describe the real sense of joy that Olympus so generously offers you from up there or the emotions I really felt at that point! 
It’s not the view that takes your breath away, or the precipitous rocks, the narrow strip of land under your feet at this highest peak of Olympus… You feel like sharing something grand, something imposing, you have a sense that=you are part of a ritual, a holy ceremony, a part ofa ‘Liturgy’ that does not really exist. It’s like having your DNA dancing at the rhythms of ancient ‘chorus’, repeating again and again vows of faith and trust to Hellas (Greece). Your body simply operates like a vehicle that you leave it at the top of the mountain once you get there, to regain strength for the descent and the journey back. Up there You don’t feel mortal at all - the great Mt Olympus will not allow it…
4. What are the secrets that Olympus in hiding?
How lucky and unique it would ben if I knew all its secrets! The more I involve myself with Olympus the less I know. I started this project with great enthusiasm and love but as years go by and I return home to Hellas for the next filming of the documentary I approach the mountain of the Hellenes (Greeks) with a more humble attitude, respect, a kind of an overwhelming fear and with a feeling of wonder.  Every local have their own story to tell, every scientist I meet from any part of the planet, has a kind of a shining eye and a mystery smile to hide when they talk about Olympus - I dare not ask what might be the reason! I have no idea what might be the hidden secrets or mysteries kept by Olympus, one thing though, I know for sure: from the very first moment Olympus allowed me to meet it, I have a sense of believing in everything. Whatever people may say about the Great Mountain, I will believe it! We are definitely very lucky …
5. Why in your opinion such a mythical Mountain has not been the subject of any serious study for so many years?
Both the Greek Government and the various Ministries of Tourism have been spending for decades millions promoting Greek Tourism abroad. The fact that no official videos about Olympus exist, (documentary, promotional, informational etc)  means a lot about the whole attitude held by the Government towards Olympus. 
Up to 2013 not a single television production (in English) about Olympus existed to be used for promotion abroad; this means one of two things: either we are incapable or for reasons that I simply do not know, Olympus is a ‘piece of the pie’ which should not be much advertised and promoted. If it is the first scenario, I feel sorry for the degradation of our Nation!  If it is the second I am sorry but neither do I will ever take part in this scenario nor my colleagues! We will carry on promoting Olympus all over the world! We have the know-how, and the international recognition as well, to do so. 
6. What are your expectations from this project?
Certainly not money. WE are already tapped out by this production - to date the cost has reached the amount of US $220,000. It is clear that we have not received a single ‘drachma’ from the Government of Hellas or any other organization or Local Authorities etc. What are my expectations from this documentary? Our main target is to succeed in re-“setting” Olympus of Hellas back on the world map. Also it is for the whole world to know that Olympus is not a mythical mountain – its not another lost city of Atlantis - but it is a real, “vibrating” living mountain  and anyone from any corner of this planet can visit it and climb up to its highest peak, The Pantheon!  


7. What is the feedback you get from abroad?
Awards, distinctions, screenings in Universities, presentations, enthusiasm, and immense interest. People are excited and anxious to see the second documentary, ‘Mt Olympus - The Creation’, which is basically presenting the scientific side on the subject – the geological aspects of Mt Olympus based on the 10 year research by the Geologist Dr. Annie Rassios. This special geological/historic documentation of Mt Olympus is emphasized here because of the pioneering work both by Dr Annie Rassios and her colleagues , and Ellopia Films USA for this super production.


8. Describe to me your greatest fear and your greatest emotional moment you felt up there
I’ve been to war zones in several parts of the planet. The greatest fear, however, that I felt with this documentary – which is due to be completed by the end of December – was that I might not finish it on time. I feel a serious obligation towards my Homeland, my roots and roots are the people, the monuments, the birds, the air, the sea, the sun, the sky, the mountains…, all these I treasure dearly, for these are the History of my Hellas! The Great Mountain of Olympus is part of this History – I believe, this documentary is far beyond my capabilities and our collaborators too. We’ve been overcome by the subject itself, it’s growing taller and taller day after day, just like Olympus is… We live in strange times, it is fashionable to sell out our country! I’ve never liked following that trend...


9. If you were to choose one of the 12 Gods of Olympus, which one would it be?
If I picked Athena…, shouldn’t I be labeled as arrogant?  Heaven help those who help themselves. (Move your hand along with Athena (Minerva) Yes?  We are what our beliefs stand for and we become what is being dictated by our own life experiences.


10. What does conquering the Mountain’s top really mean to you?
Catch your breath at the Summit and move on to the next one…


The Team
Athina Krikeli , Dimitris Zisopoulos, Theodore Tzartos, Annie Rassios, Anna Papakontsantinou, George Hatzis, George Ziogas, Maria Christina Baklava, Ioannis Stratakis, Bill Kamak, David Washington, Poly Votsi, Kostas Krikelis, Lia Delkotzaki, Nikos Tatasopoulos, Petros Hatjopoulos ,Konstantinos Mpliatkas, Maria Syliopoulou, Anthia Digenakis, George Zouvelos, Panagiotis Panagiotides, Nikos Euaggelopoulos, Evangelos Apostolou, , Stavros Patras, HoneyBee Productions, Ellopia GR, Dimitris Lanaris, Panos Sazoglou
Apostolis Skotidas George Vordos




1. What was it that has urged you to get involved with Mt Olympus?                         
Although I originally come from Thessaly - central Hellas (Greece) - I have never known till now that Mt Olympus could be accessed also through our region (Thessaly). 
Reason for this ...‘discovery’ of mine was an invitation from a friend - Nikos Ntagas – a colleague  of Ellopia Media Group -  to follow him to a guided tour he had organized up Mt Olympus a few years back.  Nikos Ntagas of Olympus Adventure has been actually the man who has originally ‘introduced’ me to the Mountain of the Gods! From there onwards I think it is the great Mountain Olympus itself that has taken over me and guiding me ever since... 
When one gets to experience this special place, climbs up to the highest peak, the Pantheon, then she or he gets actually adopted by the mountain itself... 
    Just for the record, it is worth mentioning that the original name of  - PANTHEON - has been changed with no reason what so ever, to this new meaningless word ‘Mytikas’ which is the name that prevails to these days. As a result of this careless and thoughtless, in my opinion action, the name of ‘‘PANTHEON’’, as a location, is being represented on Wikipedia  only by the Pantheon in Rome, Italy - an ancient building, originally built in 27 BC as a temple and later in Christian times converted into a church. (If you simply follow a search in Google, in English, on the word ‘Pantheon’, then you will see what I mean...)!!!
2. What difficulties have you met during the process?
Well, first of all I have to admit or better clarify that I am not a climber (mountaineer) but I am simply a journalist, so as you can understand for me many of these climbing processes/ascents were beyond my skills and my capabilities. Never the less, the rest of the Team had been the ‘reference point’ for me! Great people to work with, unique lovers of Mt Olympus, all of us shared the same vision: ‘‘ to promote our own Olympus and our own country at the best of our abilities’’! Moreover, our basic problem has always been and still is the financial bit. You see, this is happen if you are not under the umbrella of any political party, faction, or ...clique in Hellas, or in simple words if you do not belong to the ‘courtiers’!  good  intentions, international festival recognition etc are not elements for consideration! 
Nobody has contributed financially towards our cause in promoting the Greek Olympus, no Local Authorities got interested in any way – neither any Municipality nor any District Administration Office – with the only exception the Municipality of Litochoro, who even though they did not contribute financially towards the Olympus project, they expressed and  support otherwise by offering assistance in facilitating our journeys in every other way (accommodation, meals, interest, appreciation, support…).
    I have to add here that the 1st documentary about Olympus – ‘Elassona: the Secret path to Mt Olympus’ (of 12 total mini documentaries) that was shown in USA, has already won 2 First Prizes (Best Shorts Competition and Indie International Film Festival), (nominated also for a First Prize in the International Documentary Festival in Korea).
3. Which were the most important moments of this ascent?
Every step I made that brought me closer to the ‘inner depths’ of Olympus had been for me a thankful expression of appreciation and gratitude – it felt like a prayer, reaching so close to the ‘heart’ of Mt Olympus - it felt like feeling the heartbeat of the Great Mountain itself!  
At the summit, ‘Pantheon’ I felt differently…, I don’t think I can ever be able to describe the real sense of joy that Olympus so generously offers you from up there or the emotions I really felt at that point! 
It’s not the view that takes your breath away, or the precipitous rocks, the narrow strip of land under your feet at this highest peak of Olympus… You feel like sharing something grand, something imposing, you have a sense that=you are part of a ritual, a holy ceremony, a part ofa ‘Liturgy’ that does not really exist. It’s like having your DNA dancing at the rhythms of ancient ‘chorus’, repeating again and again vows of faith and trust to Hellas (Greece). Your body simply operates like a vehicle that you leave it at the top of the mountain once you get there, to regain strength for the descent and the journey back. Up there You don’t feel mortal at all - the great Mt Olympus will not allow it…
4. What are the secrets that Olympus in hiding?
How lucky and unique it would ben if I knew all its secrets! The more I involve myself with Olympus the less I know. I started this project with great enthusiasm and love but as years go by and I return home to Hellas for the next filming of the documentary I approach the mountain of the Hellenes (Greeks) with a more humble attitude, respect, a kind of an overwhelming fear and with a feeling of wonder.  Every local have their own story to tell, every scientist I meet from any part of the planet, has a kind of a shining eye and a mystery smile to hide when they talk about Olympus - I dare not ask what might be the reason! I have no idea what might be the hidden secrets or mysteries kept