Alpha Bank at the Olive Harvest of the Historical Olive Grove

Shortly before the holiday season, we had the pleasure of welcoming an exceptional group of Alpha Bank employees who took part in the olive harvest at the Historical Olive Grove.

Participants joined the olive-harvesting process in the Historical Olive Grove surrounding the Kaisariani Monastery – an olive grove that was established and is carefully maintained by Philodassiki.

After several years without fruiting, due to challenging climatic conditions and water scarcity – as the olive trees in the Historical Olive Grove are not irrigated – this year’s rainfall brought fruit back to the trees. We are especially delighted that nature once again allowed us to harvest olives this year, one of the most meaningful and symbolic activities in our annual cycle of work.

During the activity, participants learned about the relationship between the Historical Olive Grove and the Kaisariani Monastery, including the fact that the grove was planted according to an 18th-century painted depiction of the Monastery. They were also introduced to the traditional olive-harvesting practices that continue to this day. The group spread olive nets beneath the trees, harvested the olives using hand rakes, then separated the fruit from leaves and branches, filling crates and sacks.

The activity was part of Philodassiki’s broader olive-harvesting program. After the harvest, the olives are transported to an olive mill, where this year’s olive oil is produced. The oil is not sold commercially; part of it is donated by Philodassiki to charitable organizations. This year, we will have the honor of offering it to the Hatzikiriakio Child Care Institution.