The practice of fasting is mentioned both in the Old and the New Testament, constituting a divine commandment and a timeless religious tradition. According to the Holy Fathers of our Church, fasting is the first commandment given to human by God.

In this article, you will find important information about how to prepare and light the vigil lamp in your home, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Proper lighting of the lamp requires attention and thorough preparation. Properly lighting a vigil lamp requires the right preparation. There are two main methods for filling the lamp with oil and inserting the wick. How to use Orthodox Vigil Lamp - Instructions step-by-step - Mistakes to Avoid

What do candles represent in the Church? How many candles should we light when we enter the Church? What is the prayer we should tell when lighting a candle? What is the symbolism of candles in the Sacraments of the Church; in the Holy Communion, in the Baptism, at Weddings and during the Memorial services? Read our blog!

The prayer rope has been in use since the earliest Christian centuries as a spiritual tool for concentration during monks’ prayer. Initially, monks used small stones or seeds, transferring them from one container to another to keep count of the prayers they told at the time. Over time, the prayer rope spread throughout Southeastern Europe, becoming an established ‘instrument of prayer’ for monks, clergy and laity within the Orthodox Church.

The lit vigil lamp represents the Light of Jesus Christ, which illuminates every person who follows Him. Additionally, it symbolically serves the holy commandment of the Lord, whereby Christians are called to be the light of the world, spreading the divine light of faith and virtue to all humanity. Lighting the vigil lamp symbolizes the personal self-sacrifice that every believer is called to make. If we do not take it upon ourselves to light the vigil lamp, then the wick of our heart risks remaining unlit. Only by allowing God to enter our soul can we illuminate our lives and spiritually contribute to the salvation of our loved ones who have departed.

In the Old Testament, the offering of incense was a divine command, performed every morning and evening alongside the lighting of the oil-lamps, as detailed in the book of Exodus (30:7-8). This holy act has been preserved in Christian tradition to this day. Incense holds deep symbolic meaning and serves as a medium for communication with God. As incense burns and prayers are offered, the faithful ask the Lord to accept the prayer in order to rise to His heavenly throne, just as the fragrant incense ascends to the heavens. It also symbolizes the spiritual ascent of the soul and our heartfelt desire for prayers to be accepted as a «sweet-smelling spiritual aroma».

The spiritual legacy left to us, by Elder Paisios through teachings, sayings and advice. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos was born in Farasa, Cappadocia, on July 25, 1924. As a child, he sought to become a monk, devoting his entire life to Our Lord. Elder Paisios lived a virtuous life, with deep devotion to the spiritual struggle, humility, constant fasting and unceasing prayer, until the last moment, when he passed away on July 12, 1994. Saint Paisios is buried in the Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, Thessaloniki. 

A prayer rope is handwoven by monks or skilled artisans. They choose a thin cord or thread made of various materials, as we will see in detail below, and create the knots. With a special technique, the knots are distinct to the touch. During the weaving of a monastic prayer rope, the monk recites prayers for each knot individually. Upon completing the necessary number of knots, as determined by the monk, the two ends of the cord or thread are joined, forming a cross.

Our Church established two All Souls’ Days for those who have fallen asleep, because many people at times died in the sea or in mountains and cliffs or due to poverty and did not receive the typical memorial services. For this reason, "The holy Fathers, moved by philanthropy, established this memorial service for all devoutly departed Christians throughout the ages". In the Orthodox monastic life, memorial services and in general the memory of death, have a great importance. For this reason, the holy fathers give special attention to kolliva, both in their preparation and consumption.

During preparation of the Eucharist, the priest conducts the proskomithi in which he first cuts out the center of the stamped design that says "IC,XC, NIKA" (Jesus Christ Conquers). It becomes the Body of Christ (the Lamb). Then the large triangle on the left is cut in honor of the Virgin Mary. The nine small triangles on the right are cut to commemorate the angels, prophets, apostles, holy fathers and prelates, martyrs, ascetics, holy unmercenaries, Joachim and Anna, and all saints, including the saint of the day's liturgy. The last cuts are tiny squares to remember specific names of the living and the dead

In the Orthodox Synaxarion, there are several female Saints, who were also mothers. Mother Saints are a characteristic example of christian love, spiritual strength, and patience. Throughout their lives, they carried out a huge Christian work, stood by their family and sacrificed themselves for their faith and children. Furthermore, these mothers serve as a shining example for families today and reveal the power of motherhood and the upbringing of children on the path of the Lord. Through the lives of the Holy Mothers, the value of faith and boundless love for the Lord Jesus Christ and the family is raised.

From ancient times to nowdays, honey has been an integral part of both human nutrition and therapeutic methods. There are many types of honey and all of them have priceless nutritional and energy value. Many types of honey are produced on the peninsula of Mount Athos, some of which are not so well known in Greece. In the following article you will read useful information about the types of honey and the health benefits they have. This blog post will help you choose the best honey tyoe for your family.

Fry the fish as usual. Put the dry fish in a deep big plate. In a clean pan, pour the flour and mix it until it is browned.  Add the vinegar, the water, the garlic, the laurel, the salt, the crashed tomatoes and the rosemary.Mix it until the sauce gets curdy,  in a low temperature.A little while before it is ready, add the pepper.

Clean and unscale the bass fish. Put the fish in a pan, quarter the potatoes and salt them. Put the potatoes among the fish, so that the pan is filled. Then, add some the pepper,   the  tomatoes , the chopped garlic and parsley, the leaves of laurel and finally the oil.

Mold the balls (giouvarlakia) and place them in greased pan. Bake in a moderate oven. When get browned remove them with a spatula and place them carefully in a Pyrex dish or a deep platter. Meanwhile we prepared the sauce...

If the wild leeks are fine, leave them whole, otherwise cut in two longitudinally.Wash and spread in the pan. clean and wash the fish. Then spread  the fish on the wild leeks, over the fish spread the tomato slices..

Soak the bread and squeeze well. Melt tuna with a fork. Mix everything and knead. Le the dough thickens slightly and then...

Authentic traditional recipe for a hut from the fathers on Mount Athos. Easy step-by-step recipe. Instructions: Boil the wheat, so that it does not become a porridge. Strain it and spread it on a clean towel to drain its water. Put in a pan all the ingredients (except for the powdered sugar) and mix them. Place them on a platter and press them over with a baking paper. Cover it with sugar. If koliva is for memorial, form a cross with cinnamon or almond or pomegranate seeds. If it is for the celebration of a saint, create the form of the saint with cinnamon or natural colors.

Wash the wheat from the previous night and put it in cold water with a little salt in a saucepan to soak. In the morning, rinse the wheat and boil it for 40 minutes. Drain well in the strainer and keep the porridge in bowl. Spread it in a towel and let it dry. Rinse the raisins and dip them for 3 minutes in warm water to soften them. Strain them and dry them in a towel. Then, put the dried wheat and dried raisins in a deep bowl and add one by one the ingredients, except for the breadcrumbs and the sugar.

Remove the pits from cherries with the special tool. Put them in a saucepan with the sugar and water and boil until the syrup thickens. When the mixture is cool, put the cherries in glass jars and pour over syrup as much as needed. Store the rest in bottles, so you can make sour cherry juice.

Add the crabs in boiling water and leave for 40 minutes. In between saute in oil the onion and garlic. Pour 1 cup of the broth, where the crabs were boiled,

Boil the pasta in salted water with a little oil. Strain and burn with butter and oil. Pour oregano and mix well. Saute garlic and onion in oil. Open the sea urchins and get their caviar and their juice. Pour all the ingredients into the pot with the onion and mix well. After it boils for 10 minutes, add the wine and turn off the heat. Serve the sauce over the pasta.

Peel the apples and with the special tool, open a hole in the middle removing their seeds. Spread the apples in the pan and add the liqueur. Mix sugar, nuts and cinnamon and with a teaspoon fill the holes of apples. Bake at 180 degrees for about an hour, covered with foil. Before you remove it from the oven, sprinkle with a small cup of brandy. After they are cool, whip the pastry cream, so it will become whipped cream (chantilly). Let it cool in the refrigerator. Then, garnish the apples and serve.

 Boil separately the potatoes (with skins) and carrots. Then strain, peel the potatoes and cut them in to pieces. Add the onions and........  

For the year 2025, the first All Souls’ Day is on February 22nd and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 7th. The first All Souls’ Day of the year is 57 days before Holy Easter, while the second All Souls’ Day is 48 days after Holy Easter. Since Holy Easter is a moveable feast, the All Souls’ Days are also moveable.  

Short but powerful prayers to the Mother of God Virgin Mary, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Angels, which have real value only if they are said with repentance, humility and deep faith. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" - "All the heavenly powers of the holy Angels and Archangels, intercede for us"  

In the Christian life believers need to communicate with God through prayer. All the prayers must be said with deep faith and reverence.  Here are five powerful prayers you can say during the day.

«Lord, grant me only humility and silence. I ask nothing else from You. Humility births love for all Your creations. I know that I am the greatest sinner, and no one else in the universe has embittered You as much as I, the despicable one, have. Help me to live with this every day. Do not let the devil fool me into thinking I am something when I am nothing. Grant me only to feel how sinner I am and help me to follow Your commandments to find mercy from Your countless love. Do not let me despair because of my sins but let me rejoice every day because You have mercy on me and will save me because You are compassionate. Do not let me have evil thoughts or judge my fellow human beings. I am to blame for them, and since I am the cause of their sin, I must only judge myself. Lord, Lord, do not deprive me of the river of Your divine mercy. Amen!».

I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is truly thine own immaculate Body, and that this is truly thine own precious Blood.

Take away from me, O Virgin, the fetters of sin, of my lusts and other transgressions: the terrible carelessness and the overcaring, the evil curiosity and the talkativeness, the useless incontinence and the haughtiness, the negligence, the drunkenness and the lack of mercy, the bad desires, the terrible impurity, the extravagance, the darkness, the great insensitivity.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner   Those who have read The way of a Pilgrim are familiar with the expression \'The Jesus Prayer\'. It refers to a short prayer the words of which are: \'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,\' constantly repeate...

Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth. Guide, I pray, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. 

Theotokos Virgin, rejoice, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with You. Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have borne the Savior of our souls.

I give You thanks, to me You are a light that knows no evening, a sun that never sets. You cannot remain hidden, for You fill all things with your glory. You never hide Yourself from anyone, but we are always hiding from You, not wishing to come near You. For where could You hide Yourself, since You have no place in which to take Your rest?

Philanthropic Lord, you did not forget your sinful servant, but full of mercy you saw me from your glory and appeared to me in an incomprehensible way! I always offended you and pitied you. But you, Lord, for my small repentance you gave me to know your great love and your immeasurable goodness.

Almighty God, Who delivered Your people from the bondage of the adversary, and through Your Son cast down Satan like lightning, deliver me also from every influence of unclean spirits. Command Satan to depart far from me by the power of Your only begotten Son. Rescue me from demonic imaginings and darkness. Fill me with the light of the Holy Spirit that I may be guarded against all snares of crafty demons. Grant that an angel will always go before me and lead me to the path of righteousness all the days of my life, to the honor of Your glorious Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

The power of the Sacred Belt of Theotokos is great and miraculous. It preserves the grace of the Virgin Mary, sanctifies the faithful and frees them from sorrows and diseases. The Holy Belt has performed innumerable miracles, especially in cases of women who had difficulty conceiving children. A ribbon sanctified by the Agia Zoni helps women to have a good pregnancy.

At the time that Leo the Great (A.D. 457-474) was king, saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ lived in Constantinople. A night οf vigil in the temple of Our Lady of Blachernae, Saint Andreas, together with his student Epiphanius, who later became a patriarch of Constantinople (520-536 AD), saw the Holy Mother of God clearly visible, coming from the central gate of the temple. On the side of Holy Mother of God was a multitude of angels, and the virgins John the Forerunner and John the Theologian.

The miraculous icon of the Virgin Eleousa was hidden, at a depth of one and a half meters under the ground over centuries and found in a miraculous way. The Holy Mother of God appeared to the eight-year-old Athanasius Syros, while he was playing with other children on a hillside. She appeared to him as an unknown woman, who was dressed in black and barefoot, to make repentance. Despite the fact that the place was dry, it became soft and sank like the dough, because of the repentance of the unknown woman. At the three spots, where the woman worshiped, the ground started producing a sweet sense. However, no one believed what the little Athanasius experienced.

The miraculous water of the Holy Temple's Spring performed significant miracles, offering all kinds of healing. As a result, even Turkish residents visited it to avail themselves of its benefits. Unfortunately, the Temple was destroyed by the Turks, but it was later rebuilt around 1830 AD into a larger Temple. It was named the Life-Giving Spring of Balιkli, or Panagia of Balukhli, or Virgin Mary of the Spring, or Zoödochos Pege (Greek: Ζωοδόχος Πηγή) including the monastery, the church, and the holy spring. The term "Balik" in "Balıklı" originates from the Turkish word for ‘fish’.

In Constantinople is located the ‘Monastery of Chora’ (or Khora), as it is named, dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ. According to tradition, the monastery took its name from the area where it was built, which was called Chora/Khora and lay outside the walls of Constantinople. The monastery's cathedral was built upon an older structure, approximately between 1077 and 1081, by Maria Doukaina, who was the mother-in-law of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. In 1120, Alexios' son, the sebastokrator Isaac Komnenos, carried out a complete restoration of the church. During the years 1316 and 1321 AD, Theodore Metochites, a venerable Logothete of the General under Andronikos II Palaiologos and a scholar with significant literary writings, undertook the renovation of the church. He added the southern chapel, covering all expenses himself and adorned the church with mosaics and mural paintings.

The holy icon of the Panagia Ierosolymitissa is found in the Holy Shrine of the Historical Monument of Gethsemane. This place is the empty tomb of Our Lady, known as the Kenotaphios (empty tomb), since her body was taken up in Heaven on the third day of her Dormition and is capable of performing miracles. The miracles of the holy icon are innumerable wherever it was found. The miraculous icon has traveled to several parts of Greece for veneration, while a faithful copy of it can be found in the town of Jenisea in Xanthi.

The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos is the work of the Evangelist Luke and stands as one of the paramount pilgrimages of Cyprus and the entire Orthodoxy. The name of the Virgin of Kykkos derives from the Kykkos Monastery, to which she belongs today. The Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery is situated on the western side of the Troodos mountain range, 18 kilometers from Mount Olympus, at an elevation of 1200 meters. The Kykkos Monastery serves as the "Residence" of the Virgin Mary of Kykkotissa, whose presence is felt through her numerous miracles.

According to Orthodox tradition, the icon of our Lady of Sorrows is associated with the prophecy of the Righteous Simeon, as recorded by the Evangelist Luke: "...yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also..." (Luke 2:35). The prophecy refers to the pain that the Virgin Mary would experience at the moment of separation from her beloved Son, when He would be crucified in front of her eyes. In the icon of the Virgin Mary with the Seven Swords, the infinite pain of her heart and the sorrow that the Ever-Virgin Mary suffered during her earthly journey, are depicted. The fullness of the grief and anguish that she endured, emanates from the Passion of Jesus Christ, as well as His Crucifixion.

The Virgin Mary of the Vine is particularly beloved by all inhabitants of Lemnos island.The residents of the island recognize the miracles that were performed by the Virgin Mary through her white veil and show reverence to her as the Virgin of their land. She has performed many miracles, which are affirmed by the island's residents to this day. She protects the entire world, focusing on young children and adults that are facing health issues and other difficulties.

The Virgin Mary of Consolation is the most important and renowned Byzantine church in the prefecture of Arta, Epirus, Greece. It was built in the 13th century by Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas, during the peak of the Despotate of Epirus. The church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and evidence show that in the 16th century, it served as the catholikon of a women's monastery. Additionally, a distinguishing feature of the church, which renders it a masterpiece of Byzantine art, is its' dome that is like hanging from the sky. To this day, it maintains its uniqueness and innovation, while it impresses and astonishes with its rich interior, which consists of ornate sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.

The miraculous icon of Our Lady resided for many years in a province in Russia, but it was not yet known by the name «Inexhaustible Cup of Life». A remarkable event changed the course of this holy icon and revealed its Divine grace. In the Efremovskaya district of the Tula province in Russia, a retired soldier named Stefan, lived there. This man suffered from the vice of drinking alcohol. His dependence on alcohol led him to squander all his possessions and fall into a pitiable condition. However, one night Stefan had an extraordinarily unusual dream that deeply shook him.

The miraculous icon of our Lady of Vladimir is one of the most well-known and beloved icons throughout Russia. It holds significant historical and cultural value, with its connection to the Russian people dating back to the earliest centuries of its history. In the 12th century, Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges of Constantinople (1157-1169) offered the icon of the Theotokos to Duke Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgorukov as a wedding gift. The prince received the precious icon and kept it in the women's monastery of Vyshgorod. In the year 1155, Prince Andrey Bogolybsky transferred the holy icon to the city of Vladimir in Russia. This event led to the construction of a magnificent cathedral dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, where the miraculous icon was to be enshrined.

For ten centuries, the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra has been in the first place in the hierarchical ranking of the monasteries of Mount Athos. In addition, it is the largest Monastery in area, with a total of 72,000 acres, within which a helipad has also been built. The monastery is one of the most imposing on Mount Athos, it has fortification towers, as well as special constructions to deal with pirate raids. Essentially, it was about the "boilers" at the entrances of the Monastery, from where the monks poured hot oil, when the pirates invaded the monastery.

One of the most imposing monasteries of Mount Athos, the Holy Great Monastery of Simonos Petra is built on the edge of a steep granite rock and balances between heaven and earth, in a unique and impressive way. The majestic edifice is defined by a seven-story turreted building, on a large turreted base, it is located at a distance of about 300 m. from the sea and is actually a special example of bold Byzantine engineering. The historical life of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Simonopetra has a continuous course of approximately eight centuries, which ranks it in the 13th hierarchical position among the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos.

According to the tradition, in the 4th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Theodosius the Great (379–395 AD) laid the foundations for the reconstruction of the monastery, as a gesture of gratitude for the salvation of his son, Arkadius. Arcadius was sailing towards Rome, when suddenly the ship was wrecked and he himself was miraculously saved by the intervention of the Virgin Mary. Arkadius was found on the shores of the Athonian Peninsula, sleeping next to a reed.

According to the tradition, the monastery's founder is considered to be the emperor Alexios Komnenos. However, official testimonies come to the conclusion that the founders of the Monastery were the brothers Alexios, the great general and John, the great Primitikirios. We do not know exactly when the construction of the monastery began, but in 1358 the monastery already existed and was possibly inaugurated in 1362 by the Patriarch of Constantinople Kallistos I'.

According to tradition, the founder of the Monastery of Dochiariou is considered to be the student and co-practitioner of Saint Athanasios the Athonite, Euthymios. The monk Euthymios had previously been a storekeeper at the Holy Monastery of Megistis Lavra. Initially, Euthymios founded, in the 10th century, a monastery in Dafni, dedicated to Saint Nikolaos. However, at the beginning of the 11th century, the Monastery was destroyed and moved to its current location.

The Monastery of Iviron was originally founded in the 8th century and was known as the Monastery of Clement. However, in 980, a group of Georgian monks from the Great Lavra and under the guidance of the eminent monk John Tournikios, strengthened the monastery and made it a major power. Ioannis Tornikios as a monk was called by the emperor of Byzantium Basil II and together they suppressed the rebellion of the general Barda Skleros (or Sclerus). From the spoils and the imperial donations, the oldest monastery of Clement was enlarged and the Monastery of Iviron was created. Saint Ioannis and his natural son Saint Euthymios - founder of the monastery and later abbot - emerged as enlighteners of the monks in Iviron monastery.

The founder of the Monastery is Saint Xenophon, who founded the monastery in 998 AD. and served as abbot. In the Third charter or Typikon, the Holy Monastery of Xenophon was in eighth place, while today the monastery's hierarchical position is the sixteenth. The Xenophon Monastery is dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George the Trophy Bearer.

The Holy Monastery Grigoriou was founded in the period 1310-1314 by Saint Gregory the younger (December 7), the so-called hesychast and silent man. The Monastery is contemporary with the Holy Monasteries Dionysiou and Pantokrator, however, not much information is preserved about the activity of the Monastery during the first centuries. According to historical sources, Saint Gregory was a student of Saint Gregory of Sinai and lived in the Skete of Magoulas. Over time and as his spiritual children grew, Gregory decided to descend lower and build the Monastery in its current location.

The founder of the monastery is Saint Paul of Xeropotamou, who was also the founder of the Xeropotamos monastery near Dafni, the port of Mount Athos. In fact, during the 10th and 11th centuries there are two monasteries with the name Xeropotamou on Mount Athos, since the current monastery of Agios Pavlos was established with this name permanently from 1108 onwards. At the beginning of the 14th century, the Monastery of Agios Pavlos was looted, destroyed and deserted. The successive hardships suffered by the Monastery made it a Cell, i.e. a part of the Xeropotamou Monastery. However, in 1365 the Monastery came under the jurisdiction of two Serbian monks of aristocratic origin, Gerasimos Radonias and Antonio Pigasis. Their presence particularly benefited the Monastery, which was recognized as eighteenth in the hierarchy of holy monasteries in the third Typical of 1394. A few years later, in 1401, the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou recognizes for the first time as independent the Monastery of Agios Pavlos in an official document of the Patriarch Matthew.

The Holy Monastery of Koutloumousi seems to be built before 1169, as it is mentioned in an official document of that year. The founder of the Monastery is considered to be a monk, called Kallistos, who came from the court of Koutloumos, progenitor of the Christianized Seljuk dynasty. From the first years of its foundation, the Monastery of Koutloumousi had as a benefactor the emperor Alexios I Comnenus, who helped the monastery to flourish.

The beginning of the history Stavronikita Monastery is lost in the 10th and 11th centuries. Historical information and testimonies about the establishment of the Monastery are limited, however an official document of Protos Nikephoros in 1012, confirms that the Monastery functioned as a Cell since the 10th century. There are several versions of the foundation of the Stavronikita Monastery. It is most likely that the founder of the Monastery was an officer of Tsimiskis, named Nikitas or Stavronikitas Nikephoros. Also, there is also the hypothesis that the establishment of the Monastery is due to two monks, Stavros and Nikitas.

The name of the Monastery probably comes from the founder of the oldest monastery in the area, the hermit Grigorios Helandaris. Around 980 AD the monk Grigorios built, together with other monks, a small church and a small house, on the site where the Monastery is today. According to tradition, there is also the interpretation that the name of the Monastery is based on the etymology of the word "helandio" which is the Byzantine ship.

Saint Paisios was born in Cappadocia on July 25, 1924. His father was named Prodromus and his mother was named Eulampia. The saint had 8 siblings. On August 7th, 1924, saint Paisios was baptized by Saint Arsenio the Cappadocian, who insisted to give him his own name. Five weeks after the baptism of young Arsenios, on September 14th, 1924, his family was forced to flee with the general exodus of Greek refugees from Asia Minor. They settled in Eperos in Northwestern Greece. He first visited Mt. Athos in 1949 AD after he completed his time in the army.

Elder Porphyrios was born on the 7th of February 1906, in the village of St. John Karystia, near Aliveri, in the province of Evia. His parents were poor but pious farmers. His father's name was Leonidas Bairaktaris and his mother's was Eleni, the daughter of Antonios Lambrou. At baptism he was given the name Evangelos. He was the fourth of five children, and the third child of the four that survived. His oldest sister, Vassiliki, passed away when she was a year old. His father had a monastic calling but obviously did not become a monk. He was, however, the village cantor, and St. Nectarios called upon his services during his journeys through the area, but poverty forced him to immigrate to America to work on the construction of the Panama Canal.

It is not easy to describe in a few words the life and works of a great ascetic Elder Arsenios. He was born in Pontos in 1886. While still young, he was burning with Holy zeal. He decided to leave his country and walk from Russia to Constantinople and from there to the Holy Land, where he served at the Holy Sepulcher and at other Holy places for almost ten years. In the Church of the Holy Resurrection in Jerusalem, blessed Elder Arsenios served for more than ten years. There, it was God’s will to meet with the well-known great ascetic of Egina, Ieronymos, from whom he received the higher teachings of monastic life. His soul, thirsty and burning with Holy adoration, was calling together with David: “Truly my soul waits upon God, from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I shall never be shaken”. He then left the wiles of the world and ascended to Mount Athos, the Holy garden of our Lady.

Saint George Karslides was born in Argyroupolis, Pontos in 1901. He became an orphan very young, so it was his pious grandmother, who raised the young Athanasios (St. George's baptismal name) to have a "holy fear of God and a fervent love for the Church's divine services". The region of Pontos in Asia Minor has historically been a great seat of Orthodoxy and more recently was also the site of such spiritually important monasteries of Panagia Soumela, Peristereota and St. John Vazelonos. At the age of five Athanasios began tending his family\'s flocks, all while bearing the harsh treatment of his older brother, who made life difficult for him and for his younger sister Anna. They bore this with love, perseverance and holiness. In fact, when Anna died at a young age, light emanated from her grave. Three years later, when her remains were exhumed, her bones had the same yellow hue as the Saints of God.

Elder Joseph the Hesychast or Spileot was born in 1898 in the village of Lefkes on the Paros Island in Greece. He had been chosen to serve God since he was in his mother’s womb. He lost his father when he was very young, and his mother, who was very pious, took care of his education. Since his family was very poor, the young Frances, (that was his name before he took monastic vows), had to labour from a very early age in order to provide the necessary things for the survival of his family.

Saint Nicholas Planas was born in Naxos in 1851. His parents, captain John and Augustina, were quite well off but were also good people, with the simple and pure soul. They had their own estate, with a little chapel in the middle of it by the name of Saint Nicholas. Very frequently little Nicholas Planas would hide in the chapel wearing a bed sheet, and he would chant whatever he knew, as he was still a small child. At other times, he would gather his friends, and they would "celebrate" the Divine Liturgy.

Saint elder Iakovos Tsalikis was among the holiest Elders, who lived in Greece the past decades. His holiness is acknowledged by almost all Greeks and thousands of faithful from the rest world. His entire holy life and the miracles he worked and is still working today, place him among the biggest recent Saints of the Orthodox Christian Religion. Fr. Iakovos Tsalikis was born in Livisi, Asia Minor on November 5, 1920.  He was one of nine children that his mother Theodora gave birth to.  His father Stavros was taken captive by the Turks in the catastrophe of Asia Minor, when the Greeks lost the war.  The father was later released and joined his family in Greece.  Because of the difficult times in which the Elder’s family lived only three of the nine children lived beyond infancy.

Papa-Tychon was born in Novaya Mikhalovka, Russia, in 1884, from pious parents, Pavel and Elena. When he was seventeen, they gave him their blessing to go on a pilgrimage to the monasteries of Russia for three years. Completing that, he moved on to the God-trodden Mountain, Mount Sinai, for two months, and settled in the Holy Land, beyond the Jordan, to live as an ascetic for a while. Unfortunately, the elder couldn’t find his peace there because of the many pilgrims and was forced to leave for the Holy Mountain.

Archimandrite Sophrony was born in 1896, to Orthodox parents in Tsarist Russia. Since he was a child, he showed a rare capacity for prayer and as a young boy would participate in theological debate. Prayer entails the idea of eternity with God. In prayer, the reality of the living God is yoked with the concrete reality of earthly life. This craving, like a flame in the heart, irradiated his student days at the State School of Fine Arts in Moscow. This was the period, when a parallel speculative interest in Buddhism and the whole arena of Indian culture changed the clef of his inner life.

Blessed Elder Archimandrite Philotheos Zervakos of Longovarda (1884-1980) is a well-known 20th-century Greek Orthodox elder, from Paros island, and spiritual son of St. Nektarios of Aegina. He was imprisoned twice by the Turks during the final years of the Ottoman occupation of Thessaloniki. Although he has not been glorified he is considered a saint in Greece. Blessed Elder Archimandrite Philotheos (Zervakos) was born in the small and remote village of Pakia in Sparti, Peloponesse, Greece, in the year 1884 and was given the name of Constantine at his baptism. From childhood he demonstrated an exceptional love for God.

The Hieromonk Amvrosios was born in village Lazarata in Lefkada, of pious parents, teacher Panayoti Lazari and Louiza. His first name was Spyridon and he was the fourth child of the family. From young age, Spyridon was characterized by a calm spirit and love for the Church. His father was sent to the war, so his mother was responsible for the raising of the children. Spyridon had attended only the first two grades of the primary school. He quit school because he needed to help in the family chores. Later, when the time came, he served in the military as an “Euzonas” for three years, that means he served the palace.

Gerontissa Gabrielia (Gavrielia) was born in Constantinople more than a hundred years ago on October 15, 1897 to Helias and Victoria Papayanni and was the fourth and last child of the family. She grew up in Constantinople until her family moved to Thessaloniki in 1923. She went to England in 1938 and stayed there throughout the Second World War. She trained as a chiropodist and physiotherapist. In England they honored her for her services during the war and after.

In this article, you will find frequently asked questions and answers about Mount Athos. It includes information about the history of Mount Athos, the height of Mount Athos’ peak, how to hike and reach the summit, how one can visit the Virgin Mary’s Garden for pilgrimage and exploration, details on obtaining the Diamonitirion (entry permit) from the Pilgrims’ Office, the cost of entering Mount Athos, recommendations on which monastery to stay in, what to do during your visit, the monks’ diet in the monasteries of Mount Athos, when Christmas is celebrated there, and much more.

All the necessary steps and the procedure you need to follow to visit the monasteries of Mount Athos for the first time.

Below you will find a summary of the itineraries of the ships to Mount Athos, as well as the contact numbers for booking a seat. All routes are subject to change due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

A feast day (in Greek panigyris) is a spiritually and religiously significant event, when the annual celebration gathering takes place in each monastic community. All the monasteries of Mount Athos organize festivals on the feast day of their Saint in honor of whom its Katholikon, that is the main church of the monastery, is dedicated. In this article you will find the list of the feast days of the monasteries on Mount Athos according to the Julian and Revised Julian Calendars. The first date corresponds to the Julian Calendar, and the second to the Revised Julian Calendar.

Mount Athos is already known from Greek mythology. It is said that in the area where the peninsula of Mount Athos is located, a great titanic battle took place between the giants and the gods of Olympus. In this battle, the leader of the giants was Athos, son of Uranus and Gaia. According to mythology, the giant Athos grabbed a huge rock and hurled it with great force against the Olympian gods. In this way, the area of Halkidiki and the homonymous peninsula were created.

Below you will find a summary of KTEL bus schedule to Ouranoupoli, Chalkidiki. For more information visit the official website of KTEL Chalkidiki.

Telephone directory of the services and the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos.

Athos, the impressive summit of the Mount Athos peninsula in Chalkidiki, rises to 2,033 meters. The mountain stretches between the gulfs of Ierissos to the east and of Singitic to the west. Hiking on the Athos peninsula offers a unique experience, especially for nature and trekking enthusiasts. It combines the tranquility of the natural environment with the spiritual uplift and well-being provided by the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Athos.

In this article, you will find essential information for exploring the trails of Mount Athos. The information is based on the manual "Mount Athos Trails", translated by Triantafyllos Argyropoulos from the original work first published in 1981 in German by Reinhold Zwerger and Klaus Schöpfleuthner, under the title "Wege am ATHOS Wegebeschreibung zur Kartenskizze".

Athos, the impressive summit of the Mount Athos peninsula in Chalkidiki, rises to 2,033 meters. The mountain stretches between the gulfs of Ierissos to the east and of Singitic to the west. Hiking on the Athos peninsula offers a unique experience, especially for nature and trekking enthusiasts. It combines the tranquility of the natural environment with the spiritual uplift and well-being provided by the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Athos.

The peak of Mount Athos rises majestically above the Athonite peninsula, reaching an altitude of 2,033 meters. This impressive mountain stretches eastward toward the Gulf of Ierissos and westward toward the Singitic Gulf, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Although Athos is not among the tallest mountains in Greece, the climbing to its summit is particularly challenging. The difficulty lies in starting from sea level, requiring hikers to cover the entire elevation.