In our blog you can find articles with useful information about the Garden of Virgin Mary, the Monasteries, Cells and Sketes, the routes, but also how to visit Holy Mount Athos. In addition, here you will find authentic monastic recipes, fasting and healthy, as well as prayers for various occasions!
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.
