Athos is a mountain and peninsula in the Peloponnese, Greece. It is the largest monastic settlement in the world, an independent republic within Greece. Athos is directly subordinate to the Patriarch of Constantinople, lives by Byzantine time and uses the Julian calendar even in official documents.
Power on the mountain belongs to the Supreme Kinot, which includes representatives of all the monasteries of the peninsula.
There are 20 houses. Athos it is forbidden to open new monasteries and close old ones. In the past, the number of monasteries reached 180. The first hermitages began to appear here in the 8th century, in the 9th Emperor Basil forbade the laity to settle there, giving the mountain to the monks. In 972, the peninsula
It was granted autonomy under the patronage of Constantinople.
History
Information about the first major monasteryrelateBy 963. It was founded by Athanasius of Athos. The monastery is now known as the Great Lavra.
At the highest point of the mountain is the temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It was built by Athanasius of Athos in the 10th century.
Russian monks settled on Athos even before the Baptism of Russia. During the campaigns on Constantinople, many of the soldiers adopted Christianity, and some of them chose a hermit life. Athos was perfect for that. But there were only a few such inhabitants, and therefore the Russian presence began to speak only in 1016. In 1169, the monastery of St. Panteleimon was officially recognized by Russians. In 2016, the thousandth anniversary of the Russian presence on the Holy Mountain was celebrated.
The peninsula, to which the entrance of women is strictly forbidden, is considered the earthly limit of the Virgin and is under her protection. According to legend, the Mother of God, together with the Apostle John, boarded a ship to sail to Cyprus. But the headwind drove the ship to the deserted shore. Struck by the beauty of the region, she asked the Virgin of her Son to give her that land as an inheritance. Garden, paradise and refuge for those seeking salvation became the Holy Mountain.
Climate
The Russian monk Sergius (Vesin) called Athos a piece of paradise for good reason. Nature on Athos is diverse and striking with its splendor. Coniferous and deciduous forests, heather wastelands, orchards make the landscapes of the Holy Mountain a wonderful place for labor and reflection, worship and prayer.
The climate is mild, southern. Snow is rare. But because of the high humidity in winter, the cold air penetrates to the bones. Layer in clothes will save from the piercing wind in winter and protect from sunburn in summer.
What to expect
Only men can visit the Holy Mountain.But women can get close to shore without going to land. The distance is 500m. There are no female animals on the peninsula.
- You need a special permit to visit, diamonitirion. You can get it in the city of Uranoupolis. It is from his pier that ferries depart to the mountain.
- All services are held in Byzantine time. Midnight comes at sunset.
- If you want to stay in a monastery, you will need to attend all church services, as do the inhabitants.
- Life in the monastery is not only prayer and fasting. Everyone has their own obedience. Monks plant gardens and grow vegetables. Help is accepted with gratitude.
- On the mountain you are waiting for digital detox – using cell phones is not recommended.
- Visiting Athos is a time for reflection, prayerful concentration. It takes silence. Therefore, on the island it is not recommended to talk loudly, laugh, scream.
- Pilgrimage is a time for spiritual growth. Entertainment in the form of swimming, fishing or picnics is better to postpone for another time.
- Before receiving Communion, pilgrims must confess and receive a blessing.
- Be prepared for food restrictions. A meal for the brethren and for pilgrims is common. Wednesday and Friday, once a day. The other days, twice.
- At night, life on Athos dies down. The gates of the monasteries close at half past six and the electricity is cut off at night.
The Elders of Athos pray day and night for all people, realizing their responsibility. Orthodox pilgrims have the opportunity to join these prayers, be nourished with wisdom, imbued with the sanctity of this land. A visit to Athos regenerates the soul, helps to change the outlook on life, gives an understanding of what is important for eternal life, and what is not.
The Holy Land Foundation raises funds for charitable pilgrimage tripsholy mountain. Your donations will help to make a pilgrimage to people who are burning with such desire, but cannot afford it. Helping others to be nourished by grace, we take care of our soul.
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