Description of the holy Mount Athos. Holy Mount Athos in Greece

Do not count the number of shrines that, by the grace of God, ended up on Athos for many centuries. Some of them were exported to Russia, and many had the opportunity to venerate these shrines: the Belt of the Virgin, the Gifts of the Magi, the relics of St. George the Victorious. Some for centuries remain only in monasteries and are never taken out. For some there is only an opportunity to apply. In each monastery there are those shrines to which pilgrims go first of all.

Monastery Great Lavra

Many shrines of the main Athos monastery were donated by the Byzantine emperors. The main ones are the rod and cross of the founder of the monastery of St. Athanasius of Athos, the miraculous icons "Economissa" and "Kukuzelissa" (located in the Church of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos), particles of the life-giving tree of the Cross of the Lord, the relics of St. Basil the Great, Michael of Sinad, Apostle Andrew the First-Called, St. Ephraim the Syrian and many other saints of the Orthodox Church. Also in the main cathedral of the monastery there are relics of the Passion of the Lord (lips, canes, the Cross itself), part of the shrouds of Christ and the relics of many saints of God.

(icon of the Mother of God “Economissa” (“Housebuilder”))

Monastery Vatopedi

Undoubtedly, the main shrine of this monastery is the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, located in the main Cathedral of the Annunciation. This shrine was also brought to Russia as a special blessing for those wishing to heal the soul and body in 2011 (as is known, this shrine has helped many infertile people).

(Girdle of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

In addition to the Belt of the Virgin, the monastery has many ancient icons, and at least eight of them are considered miraculous. The main one is the icon of the Mother of God "The Tsaritsa" (gr. "Pantanassa"), which became famous for the fact that even people with cancer were healed in front of it; also the icons "Joy" or "Consolation", "Slain", "Shot through", "Exhortation", "Union", "Altar", "Harbinger".

(Icon of the Mother of God “The Tsaritsa”)

Iversky monastery

Iveron Monastery is one of the richest monasteries in terms of shrines. It contains as many relics of saints as there are in no other monastery on Athos. Among them: the relics of torment. Theodore Stratilates, St. Basil the Great, martyr. Panteleimon, martyr. George the Victorious, St. John Chrysostom, St. Athanasius the Great, St. John the Baptist and many other revered saints.

Also in the cathedral church of the Assumption of the Virgin there are also parts of the shrines of the Passion of the Lord: a particle of the Life-giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a mantle, a lip and a cane, through which the Lord was desecrated by the Jews.

The main shrine of the monastery, of course, is the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God, otherwise called the "Goalkeeper", miraculously found standing on the water and revered since the 9th century.

(Iberian Icon of the Mother of God)

Hilandar Monastery

The main shrine of this monastery is an icon that belonged to St. John of Damascus, one of the greatest saints of the Orthodox Church, church hymnographer - "Three-Handed". This icon bears the title of Mother Superior of the monastery. The monastery is also consecrated by two more revered icons - "Priest" and "Akathist".

(Icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands”)

Above the tomb of St. Simeon, father of St. Savva, the vine winds. Many healing actions are attributed to its fruits (including for infertile spouses). Also among the shrines of this monastery are the shrines of the Passion of the Lord (the Cross, parts of the Crown of Thorns, a staff and a shroud), particles of the relics of revered saints (Panteleimon the Healer, St. Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople, St. Barbara and St. Catherine).

(vine of St. Simeon)

Monastery of Kutlumush

This monastery is also rich in the relics of saints, among which is the hand of St. Eustratius, part of the relics of St. righteous Anna, St. Kirika, St. Much. Marina, St. Eustrapius of Plakida, St. Kharlampy and others. In the same monastery, the main shrine of the Lord's Passion is kept - a particle of the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord. Among the revered icons of the Mother of God, the main one is the miraculous icon “Terrible Intercession” (“Passionate”), where an angel is depicted to the right of the Mother of God holding a Cross, a spear, a lip and a cane.

(“Passionate” icon of the Mother of God)

Monastery of Pantokrator

The main miraculous icon of this monastery is “Gerontissa” (“Old Lady”). Also in the monastery there are the relics of many saints (the unmercenary Cosmas and Damian, the Apostle Andrew, St. John Chrysostom, St. Theodore Stratilates, St. Martyrs Mercury and Artemy, martyrs Kirik and Julitta). Particles of the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord are also kept in the monastery.

(Icon of the Mother of God “Gerontissa”)

In the same monastery there is a cell “It is worthy to eat”, in which, according to legend, St. Archangel Gabriel sang the hymn of the Mother of God "It is worthy to eat ...".

(cell “It is worthy to eat”)

Xiropotam Monastery

This monastery houses the largest part of the Holy Cross with a hole from one of the nails (the shrine is located in the altar). The donated particle was the Empress Pulcheria.

(particle of the Life-Giving Cross)

Also, parts of the relics of more than 30 saints of God are kept in the monastery (among them are St. Martyr Ignatius the God-bearer, St. Basil the Great, St. Andrew of Crete, Martyr Paraskeva, Martyr Panteleimon, Apostle Bartholomew).

Among the revered icons of the monastery is the icon of the Great Martyr. Demetrius of Thessalonica, carved from green marble, and the icon of John the Baptist.

(icon of martyr Demetrius)

Monastery of Dionisiat

In addition to parts of the Cross of the Lord, the relics of many saints of God are kept in the monastery, among which the most important are the right hand of St. John the Baptist, as well as the relics of St. Nifont. In the cathedral church, the world of St. vmch. Demetrius and the bonds of St. Apostle Peter.

(Hand of John the Baptist)

Zograf Monastery

Particularly revered shrines of the monastery are miraculous icons: the miraculous image of the Great Martyr. George the Victorious (two copies from it are also considered miraculous), the icon of George the Victorious, which, according to legend, arrived by sea from Arabia, the icon of the same saint, found by Stefan Dushan in a vision; as well as the "Akathist" icon of the Mother of God.

Parts of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross and the relics of many saints (St. Martyr George, St. Apostles Andrew and Matthew, St. Martyr Panteleimon and others) are kept in the monastery.

(icon of Great Martyr George the Victorious)

Dohiar Monastery

This monastery lost most of its shrines and relics during the national liberation revolution of 1821. However, some of them are still in Dohiar.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Quick Hearer", located in a chapel specially arranged for her, a sacred well, which arose at the end of the 13th century, under the name "Agiasma", as well as the relics of many saints: St. John Chrysostom, Nile Myrrh-streaming, martyr. Panteleimon, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Dionysius the Areopagite and others.

(Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hearing”)

Caracal Monastery

This monastery is not as rich in shrines as all the others. Among the most revered relics: parts of the Cross of the Lord, the head of the Apostle Bartholomew, particles of the relics of the Great Martyr. Mercury, St. John the Merciful, St. John the Baptist, Holy Martyr Harlampy, St. torment. Orestes and St. Averky of Hierapolis.

(17th century icon of the Apostles Peter and Paul)

Filofey Monastery

Among the most revered shrines of the monastery are two icons that miraculously appeared: the icon of the Mother of God "Sweet Kiss" ("Glykofilissa"), she sailed to the Lot of the Virgin on the water during iconoclastic persecutions, as well as the icon "Gerontissa", miraculously transferred from city of Nigrita. "Glikofilissa" is attributed to one of the icons painted by the Apostle Luke himself.

Also in the monastery sacristy is the right hand of St. John Chrysostom, a particle of the Cross of the Lord, the relics of St. vmch. Marina, mch. Panteleimon, St. Luke of Elladsky, martyr. Isidora, svmch. Charlampia.

(Icon of the Mother of God “Sweet Kiss”)

Simonopetra Monastery

Repeated fires in the 19th century in this monastery destroyed many buildings along with shrines. Of those preserved, the most revered are: the imperishable right hand of St. equal to ap. Mary Magdalene, part of the Life-Giving Tree of the Lord, relics of St. Evdokia and Vmch. Barbarians.

(ark with the right hand of Equal-to-the-Apostle Mary Magdalene)

Monastery of Saint Paul

One of the most revered shrines of this monastery, without a doubt, are the Gifts brought by the Magi on the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are part of the gold, lebanon and myrrh that were donated by Maria, daughter of the Serbian ruler George Brankovan. The gifts of the Magi are stored in ten special arks, but only three parts are separated in one ark for the worship of pilgrims.

(honest Gifts of the Magi)

Also in the monastery are kept two Crosses from the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord, a wooden Cross, which, according to legend, belonged to Constantine the Great, several miraculous icons of the Mother of God and particles of the relics of many saints of God (St. Maximus the Confessor, Great Martyr Panteleimon, St. Basil the Great ).

Monastery of Stavronikita

The monastery also suffered many fires throughout its history, due to which many shrines were lost. Among the most revered: a particle of the Cross of the Lord, the Psalter, which belonged to St. John Chrysostom, the miraculous icon of St. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker “Striedas” (“Shell”), the relics of many saints (St. right. Anna, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and others). The monastery also houses the myrrh of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Great Martyr. Demetrius of Thessalonica.

(The icon of St. Nicholas “Striedas”)

Monastery of Xenophon

The monastery is famous for its miraculous images, the most revered of which are the icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" ("Guide"), which was miraculously transferred from the Vatopedi monastery to Xenophon, the icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the icons of the Holy Martyr. George the Victorious and Demetrius of Thessalonica.

The monastery also keeps a part of the Life-Giving Tree and the relics of some saints of God.

(The icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" or "Guide")

Gregory Monastery

The main shrine of the monastery is a particularly revered ancient icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra. The main cathedral of the monastery is also dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and keeps two more revered icons of the icon of the Mother of God: “The Mammal-Giver” and “Pantanassa” (with the Greek signature “Prayer of the most pious Maria Palaiologini, Lady of Moldavia”). The relics of the priest are also kept in the monastery. Anastasia the Romans

(relics of St. Anastasia the Romans)

Esfigmen Monastery

This monastery is the only one that is not subject to the hierarchy of the canonical Orthodox Church, for this reason, access to the shrines of the monastery is closed for Orthodox Christians. In the monastery, in addition to parts of the Life-Giving Tree of the Lord, particles of the relics of the holy saints of God are kept: St. Apostle James, St. equal to ap. Mary Magdalene, St. Gregory Palamas.

Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery

The Russian Athos monastery is rich in the relics of the saints of God, including: the head of the Great Martyr. Panteleimon, head of St. Silouan of Athos, the head of the Apostle Luke, the foot of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, particles of the relics of John the Baptist, Sts. Apostles James, Peter, Andrew, Timothy, Thomas, Barnabas and Bartholomew, three saints (John Chrysostom, Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian) and others.

(Head of the Great Martyr Panteleimon)

Also in the temple of the Intercession of the Virgin there are miraculous icons: the Mother of God "Kazan" and "Jerusalem", as well as the ancient icon of St. Panteleimon the Healer.

(icon of St. Panteleimon)

Constamonit Monastery

In the cathedral church of St. Stephen, the most revered icon of the monastery is kept - Panagia Portaritissa, which became famous for many miracles. The monastery also possesses miraculous icons: the Mother of God of the Forerunner, the ancient Hodegetria icon, which was previously located in the Blachernae Church in Constantinople, as well as the icon of St. Archdeacon Stephen.

In addition to the purple robe of the Lord Jesus Christ, the monastery houses parts of the relics of many saints: St. Stephen, svmch. Blaise, St. equal to ap. Constantine, St. Trifon and others.

(Icon of the Mother of God Panagia Portaritissa)

She promised to tell about Athos. Here it is, Athos or the Holy Mountain, in Greek Aion-Oros - a peninsula in Greece, a mountain and a monastic state where women are forbidden to enter, even more - any female being. And it’s not so easy for men to get there either - you need a special visa to visit - diamonitirion.
The city on the Athos peninsula, which everyone can visit, is Ouranoupoli, I talked about him. There you can also get an Athos visa, board a ship and go to the monasteries.
The main port of Athos is Daphni. You can sail here from. It is difficult to get to the monasteries by land - there are few roads on the peninsula and all of them are not very convenient.
In the system of administrative regions of Greece, Athos has the name "Autonomous monastic state of the Holy Mountain" and is a community of 20 Orthodox monasteries in the direct ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople (since 1312). It is the largest center of Orthodox monasticism in the world.

Athos has its own life in general - for example, they use the Julian calendar, that is, today there is June 7th and it is almost the beginning of summer (and we already have the 20th).
One of my acquaintances was on Athos, and I, of course, was interested in asking him how everything is arranged there. He said that, having received a visa, you come there and settle at the monastery, like a pilgrim. You do not pay for accommodation, you are a guest, but you must follow local rules and go to services. And the most surprising thing for me is that Byzantine time is used on Athos. This means that when the sun sets, then it is midnight. And when dawn is planned, then it's time to go to matins (to the morning service).
It is interesting, of course, to change to such a mode "when it's sunset, then it's midnight" (especially considering that sunset is always at different times). Here is what the monks say about it:
“We live here according to Byzantine time. It is ancient and contributes to the present regime. As soon as the sun sets and the living creature, with the exception of some predators, goes to bed, we consider it to be midnight. We go to rest, and after five or six hours, depending according to what charter in the monastery, we get up, matins begin. There is no fixed difference with European time. In summer, when the sun sets late, the gap is two and a half to three hours, and in winter there is a difference of seven hours. "(taken from here)
This is what Byzantine clocks look like.

In general, Athos is an amazing world. And since it’s not easy to get there, but you still want to see it, they organize special excursions when you can look at Athos from the water. Fortunately, the monasteries are located so that they can be seen.

So, what kind of monasteries are represented on Athos?

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Mount Athos:

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Lots of seagulls around.

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Majestic Athos:

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In 2001, the population of Athos was 2262 people. For comparison, in 1903 the population of Mount Athos was approximately 7432 people, and in 1917 - about 10500 people.

This is a map of the monasteries of Athos, we are looking at it from the side of the Gulf of Athos:

List of monasteries on Mount Athos:

Great Lavra
Vatoped
Iversky (Iveron)
Hilandar (Serbian)
Dionysius
Cutlumush
Pantokrator
Xiropotam
Zograf
Dohiar
Caracal
Philotheus
Simonopetra
St. Paul
Stavronikita
Xenophon
Gregory
Esfigmen
St. Panteleimon
Costamonite

The oldest of the 20 monasteries located on the peninsula, Lavra, was founded in 963, and the latest, Stavronikita, in 1542.
According to the Charter, “the sacred monasteries are self-governing. They are governed according to their internal canonism, which they accept and which the Sacred Kinot approves. The main functions of monitoring the observance of private monastic charters, as well as the general Charter of Mount Athos, are carried out by the Holy Cinema of the Holy Mount. In addition, "all other institutions, sketes, cells, hesychastiriums are dependent institutions of each sovereign monastery."

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Monastery of Gregory:

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Among the treasures of the monastery are a particle of the Life-Giving Cross, the relics of saints, sacred vessels and robes. Gregory has 7 temples on its territory and 6 temples - outside it:

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Simonepetre. The Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra, or Simonopetra (Simon's rock), is the most daring architectural composition on the Holy Mountain. It stands firmly at an altitude of 330 meters on top of a rocky mountain range. The monastery was founded by St. Simon about 1257 after he had a vision. All this building, as well as living according to the principles of holiness, convinces us that this is achievable only by God's grace.

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The greatest asset of the monastery is the right hand of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, which has not only remained imperishable for more than 2000 years, but constantly retains the warmth of the human body.

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The Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery is distinguished by its appearance. It is less severe and more majestic. In principle, even with an unprepared glance, you can recognize it as ours:

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Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos, also known as Rossikon (Greek Ρωσσικόν) or New Russik - one of the 20 "ruling" monasteries

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The magazine "Around the World" wrote:
"The fraternal meals (there are only two of them - morning and evening) are subject, like the whole way of monastic life, to an age-old tradition. Needless to say, the monks eat exclusively vegetarian food and observe all fasts. At the same time, however, one cannot say that they all exhaust Not without reason there is a proverb on the Holy Mountain: heal in the Andreevsky Skete, listen to the singing in the Skete of St. Elijah, and if you want to eat deliciously, go to the monastery of St. Panteleimon.
Borscht seasoned with olive oil, semolina and tea with quince jam - all this was really tasty, as was the lush bread baked in the monastery bakery. Looking ahead, I’ll say that in the morning we ate the same borscht, which became even tastier, after which boiled and salted vegetables, mashed potatoes (again with olive oil) and compote were served. And yet - on the occasion of the day of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, everyone had a glass of red Athos wine in front of everyone.
Taken from here.

The peninsula stretches for about 60 km to the southeast. Its average width in a straight line ranges from 10 to 14 km, but the mountainous terrain makes the winding roads from one coast to another much longer.

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Monastery of Xenophon:

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For women on Mount Athos, everything is strict - not only is it completely impossible to go there (even female animals are not allowed), criminal liability is also provided for penetrating there - 8-12 months in prison!
There are cases when women made their way there, but I'm afraid that it didn't end well for them.

Monks about Athos say this: "On the Holy Mountain it is quiet as in the grave, peaceful as in paradise and - not a single woman's face ..." taken from here (ladies, well, you understand =))
It is paradoxical that this place is connected with a woman - "with a visit to Mount Athos by Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ and has been revered as the Mother of God since that time."
As for the ban, this has been the custom since the time of one Byzantine princess who came to the Holy Mountain and received a demand from the Mother of God to leave Athos. Since then, it has been believed that visiting Athos can be spiritually dangerous for women.

And if you are a man and have a visa, you are forbidden to wear clothes above the knees and shoulders, bright colors, swim, sunbathe, swear and just talk loudly, take photos and videos (I’m not sure about the latter).
At the same time, your religion does not matter - everyone is allowed in this regard.

About the visa: diamonitiron - a pass to Athos. It is of two types: genikos - general and idikos - private. The general one gives you the right to visit all the monasteries, but it needs to be ordered about a month in advance and for a specific date. A private one is given for living in one monastery, so if you walk along Gora with him, sometimes you will have to listen to long teachings about the procedure for passes, and somewhere they may not be allowed to spend the night.
You can order the general diamonitirion on your own and receive it later in Ouranoupoli - you just need to call by phone, upon receipt you need to pay 25 euros. But it needs to be ordered about a month in advance, as their number is limited. Private is done in one day.

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Dohiar Monastery:

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Mount Athos is majestic and beautiful, a real natural place of power. Height - 2033m, but from our peninsula (we rested on Kassandra, and of the three "fingers" - peninsulas between us, there was still Sithonia) we constantly saw the top of Athos, over which one cloud often hung.

My country Athos!
My dear peninsula!
You are stuck in my chest
With its sharp top!

Why cut me
Into two unequal shares?
One is a lump of love,
The other is a bunch of pain!

Hieromonk Simeon

Holy Mount Athos is the largest center of Orthodox monasticism in the world, revered as the earthly Lot of the Mother of God. This is one of the places that constantly radiates an invisible spiritual radiance.

general information

Capital: Carey (Kareya).
Control: The sovereignty of Athos is enshrined in the Lausanne Treaty of 1923, and since 1926 the peninsula has been a part of. The autonomous monastic state of the Holy Mountain is a self-governing community, consisting of 20 Orthodox monasteries and based on the provisions of the first Charter of the Holy Mountain ("Tragos").
Geography: The peninsula of the Holy Mountain occupies the extreme eastern tip of the Chalkidiki peninsula. The local relief is a gradual transition in the southeast direction from the lowland to the rocky mountain range, which ends with a pyramid (height - 2033 m).
Square: 335.63 km2
Climate: Subtropical (Mediterranean). The peninsula has mild rainy winters and rather hot summers. Snow falls relatively rarely and melts quickly. The main source of drinking water are streams flowing down from the mountains.
Population: 2262 people (2001)
Population density: 6.7 people/km2
Peculiarities: On Athos, the Julian calendar is used everywhere, including in administrative documents. The Holy Mountain is Women entry to the territory monastic republic» is prohibited.

Athos is a peninsula crowned by the peak of the same name. This is a place of unceasing prayers to God. On the territory of a unique monastic republic, the population of which is represented exclusively by men, there are 20 monasteries and 12 sketes.

The Holy Mountain is the center of the Orthodox world, the focus of its priceless wealth. The monasteries store manuscripts and icons, relics and relics of saints (including part of the relics of Ivan the Baptist and the remains of Mary Magdalene), and even a part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

origin of name

There are various legends and myths explaining the origin of the name "Athos". But only two legends have gained ubiquity. According to one of them, in very ancient times there was a war for possession between the Olympian gods and the titan demigods. And during this war, the mythical Thracian giant Athos threw a stone at Poseidon. The stone fell into the water and turned into a peninsula. And another legend says that Poseidon defeated Athos in a mortal battle and buried him under a mountain in the sea. And this mountain got its name in honor of the bravely dead giant.

The name "Holy Mountain" was first mentioned in the official letter of Emperor Alexei Komnenos to the monastery of the Great Lavra (1144): "From now on, Athos will always be called the Holy Mountain." And the Christian legend tells about the events of ancient times, when the Virgin Mary with the Apostle John the Theologian traveled on a ship that was washed ashore by a storm on the peninsula. The Mother of God was so struck by the beauty of this place and the favorable climate that she asked God for the peninsula as her inheritance, as her earthly haven. Since then, the Holy Mountain has also been considered the “garden” of the Virgin, a haven for those who want to be saved.

Athos attracts pilgrims from all over the world, primarily as a stronghold of Orthodoxy. The blessed Holy Mountain is the place of the thousand-year-old feat of the monks, who have preserved to this day and transmit the true Orthodox faith in pristine purity.

Monasteries

There are 20 monasteries on the Holy Mountain, each of which has the status of a patriarchal stauropegia. Due to property and legal privileges, the foundation of new monasteries is prohibited. Monasteries are usually divided into five groups:

This division is due to the fact that every year representatives of the monasteries of one of the groups constitute the Holy Epistasia, that is, the executive power of Athos. Also, every year, all monasteries elect representatives who are part of the Holy Kinot, the supreme self-government body of the monastic republic.

On the territory of the Holy Mountain, in addition to monasteries, there are 12 sketes (settlements similar to monasteries, but without this official status), as well as cells (vast settlements of monks, with significant plots of land), kathismas (single settlements), hesychasteria (monasteries of those who strive for absolute solitude).

In addition to monasteries and monastic settlements, there is the theological school "Athoniada" on the Holy Mountain, which has been operating in Karey since 1749.

Russians on Athos

The beginning of the presence on the Holy Mountain of "Russian" monks was laid by the Monk Anthony of the Caves (983-1073). He went to the center of the Orthodox faith and, having stayed here for a long time, he himself became a mentor to the brethren. Then the abbot sent him to the Russian land to convey the Christian faith to people. And the Monk Anthony arrived in Kyiv, where he founded the Caves Monastery, which became the source of Russian monasticism.

The first documentary evidence of the appearance of a Russian monastery on Mount Athos dates back to 1016. Precise data on the location of the monastery has not been preserved, however, indirect evidence points to the “Xylourgu” monastery. A lot of time has passed since then and a lot has changed, but starting from 1870, the St. Panteleimon Monastery was finally recognized as Russian.

And to this day, the Russian monastery on Mount Athos is a significant force that conducts religious and educational activities and has a strong influence on Russian Orthodoxy. That is why the flow of pilgrims from Russia, striving with their souls to touch the origins of the true faith, does not dry up.

One of the great Christian ascetics, who immediately upon arrival at the Holy Mountain chose the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon and remained here forever, was the monk. And he, then still a young novice, was given to know the great mystery of Being. He is revered in the Orthodox Church as a saint in the guise of saints.

Pilgrimage

For those who suffer to set foot on the land of the Holy Mountain and touch the sources of the true faith, there are strict rules, the observance of which is strictly observed by all pilgrims. Only men of any religious beliefs can arrive on Athos, who must first obtain permission (diamonitirion). Orthodox clerics also need additional permission issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Women are not allowed on the territory of the “earthly inheritance of the Mother of God”, even despite the calls of the European Union to establish gender equality.

But there is a monastery in Greece, where nuns live in strict accordance with the rules of Athos. First of all, women come here, for whom the holy land of Athos is inaccessible. There is a convent in the village of Suroti, and it was founded by an Athos elder - who, until his death, took care of and helped the nuns with wise advice. He was buried outside its walls and many pilgrims tend to bow to the holy relics, which have miraculous powers.

Staying on the Holy Mountain, pilgrims should wear clothes of soft colors that cover their legs and shoulders. It is forbidden to swim, sunbathe, talk loudly and use foul language. While living in the monasteries, each pilgrim must adhere to the daily routine common to all the monks of the peninsula.

To take pictures in the monasteries, you need to ask for permission, usually the monks do not fix obstacles, but it is highly not recommended to photograph the inhabitants of Athos. Video filming is strictly prohibited, therefore, when going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain, you should not take a video camera with you.

The Holy Mountain hides in itself a special secret of life and an extraordinary power for rebirth. And many pilgrims after visiting these places find spiritual peace and inner fullness.

Mount Athos, which is called the Holy Mountain, is located on the peninsula of the same name. Its height is 2033 meters. There are about twenty monasteries on the Athos peninsula under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Believers revere Athos as the earthly lot of the Mother of God

According to data for 2001, 2262 people live in the monasteries of Athos. Athos monks use the Julian calendar.

According to the Athos charter, women should not come to the territory of the peninsula. The entry ban also applies to female animals.

Pilgrims admire the local nature: mountain streams, picturesque coastline, flowering trees. The vast territory of the holy mountain is famous for its beautiful landscapes.

Athos

Athos is a self-governing community of 20 Orthodox monasteries.

In addition to the monasteries, 12 sketes are scattered throughout the Holy Mountain (often large settlements that do not differ from monasteries in anything other than their formal status), as well as: cells (vast monastic settlements with a cultivated plot of land), kalyvas (which, as a rule, consist of sketes ), kathismas (single settlements, usually near the mother monastery), hesychasteria (those who strive for complete solitude labor in them, sometimes in a cave).

This is how Vladimir Khodakov saw Athos.

Zograf

Zograf belongs to the Bulgarian monasteries of the Holy Mountain. Its inhabitants, Athonite monks, are usually Slavs. The monastery was dedicated to St. George the Victorious and in the hierarchy of local monasteries is in ninth place. Zograf is translated as "painter". The monastery was founded by Leo the Philosopher and is located almost on the coast - three kilometers from the sea.

During the time of Michael Palaiologos, Zograf did not join the union with Rome, and for this refusal the inhabitants of the monastery were martyred in the monastery.

Athos shrines are kept in the cathedral church - icons of the Great Martyr George, painted at different times.

Stavronikita

Stavronikita is a 10th century monastery located in the east of the peninsula. In the hierarchy of Mount Athos, he is in fifteenth place. There is a legend that a hermit named Nikita once lived on the site of the monastery, who was engaged in the manufacture of crosses. Stavronikita in translation means "the cross of Nikita." During the Crusades, the first monastery dedicated to John the Baptist was destroyed. But under Patriarch Jeremiah I, the ancient monastery was restored. On the territory of the monastery, one of the rarest icons of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was found, so the modern monastery is dedicated to St. Nicholas.

The library of the monastery contains more than one hundred and seventy manuscripts. Mount Athos keeps unique libraries. In the local - about two thousand five hundred printed books. The katholikon of the monastery is decorated with amazing frescoes, which Theophanes of Crete himself worked on. Of particular note are the rarest monastery shrines: particles of the relics of Orthodox saints, a particle of the Life-Giving Cross and the ancient image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was found in the depths of the sea.

Skete of St. Anne

The skete of St. Anna, mother of the Virgin, is the largest monastery on Mount Athos. This is the oldest monastery with the strictest charter and a host of new martyrs who suffered for the Church during the period of Turkish rule. The skete is subordinate to the Great Lavra.

On the night before communion, the inhabitants of the monastery of St. Anne usually do not sleep, during Great Lent they do not leave the monastery, and the hieromonks do not serve outside the Holy Mountain. The main shrine of the monastery is the foot of the holy righteous Anna. Here they pray for infertile couples dreaming of a baby. Mount Athos has always been considered a special place where the most fervent prayers were offered for the appearance of a child in childless spouses.

Kyriakon of the monastery under the Ecumenical Patriarch Dionysios III. In the 18th century, it was restored thanks to the elder Philotheus of Peloponnese. The icon painters Philotheus and Athanasius painted the kyriakon. The bell tower was erected here in 1774. Many modern ascetics and elders of modern times labored in this skete: Archimandrite Cherubim, the founder of the Paraclete monastery and his disciples, who spread the Christian faith throughout Greece.

Pantokrator

The Pantokrator Monastery is located in the northeastern part of the peninsula near Karyes. It stands on a 50-meter hill. In the cathedral of the monastery there is the oldest iconostasis of Mount Athos.

Pantocrator is a Greek term that denotes the iconographic type of the Savior as the Almighty Savior, King and Judge. This is one of the most ancient Christ.

In the diptych of the monasteries of the Holy Mountain, Pantokrator is in seventh place.

Carey

Kareya or Karye (Slavic designation) is the capital of Athos. This is the administrative center of the local monastic state. This state has special rules and regulations, some of which are still being debated: so many are outraged that female pilgrims cannot arrive on the peninsula. Not all believers agree with such a strict restriction. Kareya is a settlement in the depths of the peninsula, which was founded in the 9th century. It is here that both the Sacred Kinot and the Sacred Epistasia are located. A lot of hazel grows here, which is why the capital is named after the walnut tree. There are about twenty representations of all Athos monasteries. Mount Athos is famous for its diversity of flora.

The Temple of Protata (Temple of the Assumption of the Virgin), also founded in the 9th century, is the central cathedral of the administrative center. This is a basilica without a dome, the three naves of which form a cross. Frescoes by Manuil Panselin adorn the temple. It was also painted by representatives of the famous Cretan school.

Not far from the temple is the library of the Holy Kinot, where more than a hundred historical manuscripts are stored and Argos - the skin of a goat with the first Tipipok. The Svyatogorsk monks received it from Emperor John Tzimiskes in 972.

During major feasts, the local Keliot monks pray together in the Protat Cathedral. They carry out various obediences: carpentry, sewing monastic robes, producing incense, etc.

There is also a church school: a gymnasium and a lyceum.

Among the shrines of Karei - miraculous. Savva Serbsky once brought this icon to Typikarnitsa. Previously, she was in the Lavra of St. Savva the Sanctified.

Here, in a small cell, there is a rare and unique icon of the Mother of God “It is worthy to eat”, which is mentioned in ancient legend. It is believed that once an Athos elder decided to listen to the All-Night Vigil in the Karyes Cathedral. And his novice remained in the cell. Suddenly there was a knock in the cell. The novice opened the door and saw a man in a monastic robe. The novice led the stranger into the temple and they began to sing the ancient song of St. Cosmas of Mayum, but the stranger changed the words to “It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed and Immaculate, and the Mother of our God.”

Moved, the novice asked an unfamiliar monk to write down the words of this song, but he did not have any ink. Then the stranger asked if there was a stone slab. And with his finger he carved the words of the song on the stove. The stone under his palms softened like wax. Returning, the amazed elder placed this stone in the Protat, and the icon, in front of which the wondrous song was performed, was transferred to the Cathedral Church.

Iberian Monastery (Mount Athos)

Greek monastery, located in the third place of the Svyatogorsk hierarchy. The monastery was founded by Georgians in 980. It is Mount Athos and the Iberian Monastery that keep the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God revered by our compatriots.

Hilandar

Hilandar is the fourth monastery in the hierarchy of the Holy Mountain. It is under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, but the Serbian Orthodox Church also supports this monastery spiritually. The monastery is located in the northeast of the peninsula. It was founded in 1197 by the Serbian Archbishop Savva and Prince Stefan, but in 2004 the monastery was engulfed in a terrible fire, leaving behind numerous destructions. Half of Hilandar's buildings were destroyed by fire. The library, several chapels and the sacristy were not damaged.

Now about 70 monks labor in the monastery. After the monstrous fire, fortunately, the unique library of the Athos monastery survived, where ancient manuscripts and unique printed texts are stored. .

Among the most revered are a particle of the Crown of Thorns of the Savior, the Shroud of Jesus, the icon of the Mother of God "Three-handed", the icon "Milk-giver", the icon of the Mother of God "Akathist" and the rod of Savva the Sanctified, arks with the relics of saints.

To visit the monastery, pilgrims receive a special visa to Athos, which is called diamonitirion. It gives the right to ask for an overnight stay in any monastery of Mount Athos, subject to availability. Hilandar can be reached by boat from the village of Ierissos.

Pilgrims from all over the world come to listen to the amazing singing of Athos monks, pray in front of ancient shrines and see the amazing beauty of the Greek peninsula, which does not allow women to enter, which, by the way, gives rise to numerous disputes about the appropriateness of such strict rules. Nevertheless, the charter of local monasteries remains extremely conservative, and Mount Athos still attracts pilgrims.