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Virgin of Jerusalem Acheiropoieta Icon at the Tomb of Mary Gethsemane

The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Jerusalem was hagiographed in 1870 AD, in a miraculous way. At that time, there was an hagiographer nun named Tatiani, who lived at the Russian Holy Monastery of St. Mary of Magdalene, nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives, opposite Jerusalem. The vision of Tatiani with the Theotokos One night, while Tatiani was sleeping, she saw in vision that an unknown nun had visited her in the cell, telling her: «Sister Tatiani, I came to paint me». Tatiani replied: «Bless, sister, but I am a hagiographer and not a painter». Then the woman responded: «Then, craft a hagiography of me». Tatiani was surprised by the courage of the stranger and said: «I have no wood, where can I paint you?». Immediately, her visitor gave her a plank, suitable for hagiography and instructed her to paint. But while Tatiani was painting the unknown nun, she suddenly saw that her vestments turned to gold and her face radiated brilliance. Then, she heard her say: «Oh blessed Tatiani, after the Apostle and Evangelist Luke, you will paint me now». Tatiani realized she was painting the Virgin Mary! She got upset and woke up. Immediately, she rushed to the Abbess and narrated the vision she saw. The Abbess was distrustful of her words and told her to sleep and the next day to paint an icon of the Virgin Mary. But as she returned, she saw that her cell was bathed in the light and scent was coming out of it. Here you can find icons with the Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. The miracle with the ‘Acheiropoieton’ icon Then, she notified the Abbess and together they entered the bright and fragrant cell, where they saw the most amazing miracle. The icon of the vision was placed in the cell, real, unmanned! In that way, the ‘Acheiropoieton’ icon of the Virgin Mary was miraculously made. The word ‘Acheiropoieton’ (in Greek ‘Αχειροποίητη’) means that the icon is made ‘without hands’. After these miraculous events, the Virgin Mary appeared once more to the nun, saying: «Take me down to my house in Gethsemane». Without a delay, the command of our Lady was fulfilled! Where is the Holy Icon of Panagia Ierosolymitissa today Since then, the icon of the "Panagia Ierosolymitissa" is found in the Holy Tomb of Virgin Mary at 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. In fact, three times when the Temple of Gethsemane was flooded, the Icon was saved by a miracle, coming out into the ventilation system without being supported anywhere. 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. Here you can find icons with the Virgin Mary of Jerusalem.

Theotokos Land of Non Land - Monastery of Chora in Constantinople

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. When the monastery's cathedral was built 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 great mosaic icons of the Monastery At the entrance of the church is placed the mosaic icon of Jesus Christ known as ‘The Land of the Living’ or else called 'Τhe Dwelling Place (chora) of the Living'. Proceeding towards the main sanctuary, we encounter the mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary known as 'Land of non Land’ or 'The Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable'. How are the names of the mosaics connected The names that were given to these two mosaic icons carry deeper meanings. The designation 'The Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable' stems from the miraculous event of the Divine Incarnation of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary. The interpretation of the 'The Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable' is only perceptible in conjunction with the name given to the icon of Jesus Christ, namely the 'The Dwelling Place of the Living'. This name likely has a biblical origin, as it is encountered in certain quotes of the Psalms: «...Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living...». Therefore, The Dwelling Place of the Living is Jesus Christ Himself through His incarnation by Theotokos. This is the saving event in which the Theotokos accommodated Jesus Christ as the Dwelling Place of the Uncontainable so that afterward the Messiah could accommodate the whole world as the Dwelling Place of the Living. The Monastery of Chora in Constantinople today Today, the Monastery of Chora in Constantinople is open as a museum. It stands as one of the most notable monuments of the Palaiologan era. Thanks to its unique iconography, it has become one of the most remarkable places of Byzantine art with high level of artistic value. Images from: thebyzantinelegacy.com

The Miraculous Icon of Virgin Mary Eleousa - Mercy Giving

The appearance of the Virgin Mary to Athanasios Syros 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 dialogue between Athanasios and the Virgin Mary That same night, the unknown woman appeared in the sleep of little Athanasius, but this time she had a bright wreath on her head. Little Athanasius asked: «Old Lady, who are you and what do you want from me? I'm afraid!». And then the black-dressed woman responded to him: «Do not be afraid, my little one, I am the Mother of Christ, whom you love so much and He sent me to reveal to you that you have a pure heart and a pure soul and at the place where you saw me praying, you will find an icon of me, if you dig. That place should become a place of worship, a temple, a holy place». With these words, Virgin Mary disappeared from the sight of little Athanasius. The mistrust to the words of Athanasios The next morning, Athanasius recounted to his parents every detail about the second appearance of the Mother of God and begged them to dig where the Virgin Mary had suggested. However, once again, neither his parents nor the other villagers did believe him. Unshaken by the miracle that occurred to him, Athanasius decided to build a small church with stones on his own at the point where Holy Virgin Mary had shown to him and place an icon of the Virgin Mary there. The mistrust of the residents in the village lasted for years until the beginning of June 1962 AD, when an excavating machine reached Xyniada in order to open the streets of the village. After this project was completed, the residents of the village requested the driver to dig and search for the icon of the Virgin Mary. And indeed, this is what happened! Find here: Enamel icon of Panagia Eleousa The discovery of the miraculous icon It took only three excavations to uncover the miraculous icon, next to the root of an oak. Thus, the icon bearing the inscription "Mother of God Eleousa" was revealed. The icon seems to belong to the era of iconoclasm. It was remarkably well-preserved despite its stay in the soil for centuries. Since then, the arrival of the pilgrims has been so great that it has led to the foundation of a larger temple in 1965.Near the church, cells and the other necessary buildings were rebuilt. In 1972, the new Monastery was inaugurated, which soon gained a great reputation. The celebration of the Virgin Mary Eleousa The hymnographer Gerasimos monk Mikrayanannanitis composed the sequence for the Finding of the Icon, which is celebrated on June 21st. In the Monastery, with the tireless care of the abbot and the willing support of the pilgrims, a Nursing home for the elderly was erected to care for the needy elderly of the region. Nowadays, the Icon of the "Virgin Mary Eleousa" has been covered with silver and gold and has been placed in a beautiful pilgrimage.

Prayer for Gratidude - Saint Siluanos the Athonite

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. Your cheerful and gentle look pleased my soul. What shall I repay Thee, Lord, or what praise shall I offer Thee? You give your grace, so that my heart burns unceasingly with love, and finds no rest either night or day from divine love. Your memory warms my soul, which nothing on earth rests except You. That is why I ask You with tears, and again my mind longs for your sweetness... Lord, give me to love only You. You created me, You enlightened me with holy Baptism, You forgive my sins and give me the grace to partake of your holy Body and Blood. Give me the strength to stay close to you always. Lord, give me the repentance of Adam and your holy humility. Amen Saint Siluanos the Athonite Here you can find all the icons with Saint Silouan the Athonite.

Hail Mother of God, The Angelic Salutation

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. Or Mother of God and Virgin, rejoice, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast given birth to the Saviour of our souls.

Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou on Mount Athos

Where is the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou and when was it founded? The Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou is located in a small bay, on the north-eastern side of the Athos Peninsula, near the Monastery of Hilandari. According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 5th century by Emperor Theodosius II and his sister, Empress Pulcheria. However, historical evidence records the existence of the Monastery of Esfigmenou in the 10th century. The Monastery is mentioned for the first time in 998 AD. with the name "Esfagmenou" in official paper of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi. A few years later, in 1037, the Monastery was renamed "Esfigmenou" and went through a long period of prosperity. In fact, in the year 1045 in the "Typiko of Monomachus" the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou is in fifth place in the hierarchy of the monasteries of Mount Athos. Today, the Monastery is in the 18th hierarchical position among the monasteries of Mount Athos. The period of decline of the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou and the important personalities In the middle of the 13th century, the Monastery of Esfigmenou faced significant difficulties and gradually fell into obscurity. Then, it recovers and for the next two centuries, until the conquest by the Turks, the Monastery of Esfigmenou goes through another great period of prosperity. Many emperors of Byzantium, as well as rulers of other Orthodox countries, contributed significantly to the prosperity of the Monastery. Important personalities who settled in the monastery were, among others, the later Patriarch of Constantinople Athanasios and Saint Gregory the Palamas. In fact, Saint Gregory Palamas was the abbot of the Monastery of Esfigmenou for some years (1335-1338 AD). Pirate raids hit the Monastery of Esfigmenou The seaside location of the Monastery offered protection from the weather, but at the same time made the Monastery an easy target for raids by Agarean and Turkish pirates. Numerous lootings, raids and arsons affected the Monastery of Esfigmenou and led it to a long period of great depression. The pirate attacks, combined with the devastating fire of 1491, led to the decline of the Monastery, as a result of which it was threatened with complete desolation after 1533. Until the 17th century, the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou went through particularly difficult times and reached a difficult financial situation. However, from the 18th century onwards, the Monastery is on a new course of reorganization and reconstruction. The Reconstruction of the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou In the reconstruction process of the Esfigmenou Monastery, the effort of Metropolitan Melenikos Grigorios is leading the way, who prioritized the repayment of the debts of the Monastery. The activity of Theodoritos Lavriotis during the 19th century (1804–1806) was also noteworthy, putting a lot of effort into the proper communal functioning of the Monastery. During the time that Theodoritos was abbot, the foundations of the new Catholic Church were laid, while at the same time, the reconstruction of the Bank of the Monastery and other important buildings began. The Monastery of Esfigmenou during the Revolution of 1821 In 1821 the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou was occupied by a Turkish army for more than 10 years (1821-1832). In 1832 Agathangelos Kallipolitis undertook the reconstitution of the Monastery, powerfully managing the Monastery for 40 whole years (1832-1871). Abbot Agathangelos's contribution was significant, as he undertook to rebuild most of the buildings of the Monastery: the bell tower, the chapels, the exonarthex of the Church and the meridian pillar. However, in the following years, until the beginning of the 20th century, various movements led the Esfigmenou Monastery to a large debt of 4,000 Turkish Liras. The Monastery managed to cope with the difficulties and repay the debt, without resorting to inappropriate loans from foreigners. Panagia Arsaniotissa: How the icon of Panagia was miraculously saved The holy and wonderful icon of Panagia Arsaniotissa took its name from the arsana (=port) of Esfigmenou Monastery, as it was placed there for years. In December 1892 there was a large landslide due to heavy rainfall. That night, large rocks from the mountain of Samaria fell and destroyed a large part of the port. Among the debris, the only thing miraculously saved was the part of the wall that protected the shrine with the icon of the Virgin Mary. When the monks took the icon, then this small part of the wall also collapsed. In front of the shrine, a lay fisherman, named Nikolaos Karamaniolas, was sleeping and miraculously he was unharmed by the intervention of the Virgin Mary. Since then, the icon of Panagia Arsaniotissa has been in the main Church, until today. The Church of the Monastery of Esfigmenou, the Library and the Holy Relics The Church of the Holy Monastery of Esfigmenou is located on the west side of the courtyard and is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. In 1808 Abbot Theodoritos laid the foundations and three years later, in 1811, Patriarch Gregory V inaugurated it. The Church is enriched with wonderful frescoes by Galatsan painters, Benjamin, Zacharias and Makarios. The most holy icon of the Monastery is of the icon of Virgin Mary Eleousa. Among the most important and sacred relics of the Monastery of Esfigmenou is the Cross of Pulcheria, as well as a large piece from the scene of Napoleon the Great. This piece is used as a covering on the gate of the Church during the festival. In addition, holy relics of Saints are kept in the sacristy of the Monastery. The Library of the Monastery of Esfigmenou is located above the Narthex of the Church and has approximately 6,000 printed books. In addition, there are 372 manuscripts, of which 75 of them are parchments and scrolls. Another special relic is the Menologio of the 11th century, which contains 80 miniatures and 8 representations from the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Finally, the Chrysovulo of Maros of 1428 depicts the family of the Serbian Ruler Bragovic. Contact with Esfigmenou Monastery: Phone: +30 2377 0 23653 Email: [email protected]

Holy Monastery of Philotheou: where the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary Glykofilousa is kept

Where is the Holy Monastery of Philotheou? On the South-Eastern side of the Athonian peninsula, stands out the Holy Monastery of Philotheou. The Monastery is located at an altitude of 300-330 meters on a plateau, full of chestnut trees, near the ancient Asklepiion. The Monastery of Philotheou is only half an hour away from the Karakallou Monastery and is located at a short distance, 1 hour, from the Holy Monastery of Iviron. The Monastery of Philotheou is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos and since 1574 it has been in the twelfth (12th) position in the hierarchy of the Monasteries of Mount Athos. When was the Holy Monastery of Philotheou founded and who are the builders? The Holy Monastery of Philotheou was founded at the end of the 10th century by three monks, Arsenios, Dionysios and Philotheos, who were contemporaries of Saint Athanasios the Athonite. According to historical data, there was originally a small settlement in the area of Kravatos, called "small Monastery of Fteris". This place was the starting point of today's Philotheou Monastery. The first recorded written reference to the Monastery of Philotheou dates back to around 1015 in an official document. At this point, there is today the chapel of the Prophet Elias. The Holy Monastery of Philotheou over the centuries: a brief history Long before the Turkish occupation, the abbots of the Monastery, such as Nikephoros, George and Loukas, recorded their presence in the historical sources of the 11th and 12th centuries. Donations to the Monastery A decisive role for the prosperity of the Monastery was played by Nikephoros III Bytaniatis, offering financial support to the Monastery of Philotheou, as well as several holy relics of saints and martyrs. In fact, Nikephoros III Bytaniatis is also honored as the second founder of the Monastery. In addition, the Palaiologos emperors, Andronikos II and John V, helped significantly in the maintenance of the Monastery. Then, the financial support was taken over by rulers from Romania. In the middle of the 14th century, Saint Theodosios, later Metropolitan of Trebizond, also became a monk in the Holy Monastery of Philotheou. Saint Theodosios was a brother of Saint Dionysios, founder of the Holy Monastery of Dionysios on Mount Athos. The years of Turkish rule During the early years of the Turkish rule, at the beginning of the 16th century, the presence of Abbot Dionysios, known as Saint Dionysios of Olympus, resulted in the change of the operation of the Monastery from the idiosyncratic to the communal system. However, the reaction of Bulgarian-speaking monks forced him to leave the Monastery. The presence of Slavs in the Monastery of Philotheou was quite influential around the end of the 15th century. This fact is evidenced by a document of 1483 signed by the abbot in Slavic, but also by the frequent financing offered by the Serbian King Stephan Dusan. Shortly before the end of the 15th century, in 1492, the Monastery of Philotheou was renovated by the rulers of Iberia (Georgia), Leontius and Alexander. During the 17th century, many Greek rulers of the Danube regions financially supported the monasteries of Mount Athos. For the Holy Monastery of Filotheou, Grigorios Gikas was a great benefactor. The Holy Monastery of Philotheou in its heyday While for many centuries the Holy Monastery of Philotheou had not acquired significant power, remaining in obscurity, during the last centuries of the Turkish rule it began to gain power. The heyday of the Monastery of Philotheou during the 18th century is largely due to the Greek rulers abroad, who offered great financial aid to the Monastery. This money was used for the construction of new building facilities in the Monastery to meet the needs of the monks. Saint Kosmas the Aetolos in the Monastery of Philotheou The 18th century was brilliant for the Holy Monastery of Philotheou and for another important reason. Saint Kosmas the Aetolos lived at the Monastery and from there he began to preach the word of God, building temples and schools for the subservient Greeks. In 1746, the Church of the Monastery was completed, which had been built on the foundations of the old one. The Church celebrates the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and within it the frescoes from the Apocalypse stand out, as well as a fresco of Alexander the Great. The fire of 1871 left the Church unchanged, but caused severe damage and financially affected the monastery. In 1900 the Holy Community undertook to help the Holy Monastery of Philotheou, which finally manages to get back on its feet. From 1973 until today, the Monastery follows the communal administration system. Metochia of the Philotheou Monastery: chapels and Kathisma Next to the sea, the Holy Monastery of Philotheou has the holy water of Panagia Glykofilousa, which springs up steadily and unchanged, without reducing the quantity or temperature of the water. According to tradition, the abbot of the Monastery had seen a vision of Virgin Mary asking him to transfer the icon from that point to the monastery. Here you can find all the icons with Panagia Glykofilousa. In addition, the Monastery of Philotheou has a unique place, the historical cave of Saint Dionysios "of Olympus", where he lived before becoming abbot of the Monastery. In the capital of Mount Athos, in Karyes, is the representative office of the Monastery of Philotheou, built in 1964, where there is also a chapel of Saint Kosmas Aitolos. The Monastery of Philotheou has a total of nine chapels. In the building area within the Monastery we find six chapels: one is dedicated to the Archangels, one to Saint John the Baptist, one to Saint Marina, the Holy Five Martyrs, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Nicholas. Outside the Monastery there are two chapels of the Three Hierarchs or Saint Tryphon, the Genesis of Virgin Mary or Panagouda as well as the cemetery Church of All Saints. The sacred relics of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou Various relics are kept in the monastery's sacristy, with perhaps the most important being the right hand of Saint John Chrysostom. In addition, the Monastery owns a piece of Holy Wood, a gift from the emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiatis, relics of Saints, vestments and church utensils. In the Holy Monastery of Filotheou there is also the miraculous icon of Panagia Glykofilousa, but also of Panagia Gerontissa. The library of the Monastery contains 250 manuscripts, 2 liturgical scrolls and about 2,500 printed materials, of which about 500 are in Russian and Romanian. Contact with Monastery of Filotheou: Phone: +30 23770 23256 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou: the history of the Monastery with the miraculous icon of Panagia Antiphonitria

The location of the Konstamonitou Monastery and the communication with other Monasteries The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Konstamonitou is located in a lonely location, in the unspoilt forest of Kriovouni, near the center of the Athonian peninsula, in the area of the Sigitiko gulf. To reach the Monastery, a pilgrim has to walk for about an hour from the mountain, passing through an olive grove and then through a chestnut forest. The communication of the Konstamonitou Monastery with other monasteries is not easy due to the inaccessible area and its isolation. However, there are some paths to Zografou Monastery or Vatopedi Monastery. Specifically, the route to the Zografou Monastery takes about 1.5 hours and crosses a beautiful path, through a lush forest. The Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou is in the 20th (last) position in the hierarchy of the Monasteries of Mount Athos. The Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou through the centuries: a brief history The founder of the Konstamonitou Monastery Regarding the history of the Monastery, there are various theories about its foundation. According to a newer tradition, the Monastery was founded by Emperor Constantine the Great and completed by his son, Constantius. Other sources state that the establishment of the monastery was carried out by a monk who came from Kastamonas of Paphlagonia or Kastamonas of Pontos. In addition, there are testimonies that mention as the founder of the Monastery a scion of a rich family of Constantinople. The reconstruction of the Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou Around the end of the 18th century, the Monastery of Konstamonitou followed the communal administration system with the seal of Patriarch Neophytos VII. However, the substantial reconstruction of the monastery began in 1818 during the hegemony of Chrysantho from Epirus, at the expense of Ali Pasha and with the mediation of Kyra Vasiliki. Then the eastern wing of the Monastery was rebuilt. The reconstruction of the Monastery continued during the reign of Simeon Stageiritis. Abbot Simeon secured financial resources for the Monastery and rebuilt the Church and the northern wing. The Church of the Monastery, which is dedicated to the memory of Saint Stephen, is located in the center of the courtyard and was erected in 1867, on the ruins of the older Church. The icon of Panagia Antiphonitria The architecture of the Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou follows the athonite model. Its walls are decorated with many portable icons, several of which have great historical and cultural value. The icon of the Theotokos of Antiphonitria, who performed a great miracle in the Monastery in 1020, as reported according to tradition, stands out. The Chapels and metochia of the Monastery The Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou has a total of nine chapels, four inside the monastery and five outside it. One of the chapels worth seeing is that of Panagia Portaitissa, located in the south wing of the Monastery above the entrance and built in 1871. The chapel is adorned by a wood-carved iconostasis of particular aesthetic value and houses an icon of Panagia Portaitissa, which she is also miraculous. Also, on one floor of the southeast wing we find the chapel of All Saints (Agion Panton) and on another floor we find the largest chapel of the Monastery, dedicated to Saint Constantine. The chapel of Saint Nikolaos is located on the north side of the Monastery enclosure. Besides the chapels of the Monastery, there are other chapels in the area. The chapel of Panagouda, with its remarkable Byzantine frescoes, is located outside the monastery. On the site of the old monastery is the chapel of Saint Antonios with a special wooden iconostasis dating back to 1670. The chapel of the Holy Trinity is located in a special position in a very beautiful spot, while the chapel of Saint Nikolaos is located in Arsana of the monastery. In addition, there is a chapel in the cemetery of the monastery. Finally, it is worth mentioning the Cemetery Church of the Konstamonitou Monastery. This Church is a short distance from the Monastery, facing southeast and is dedicated to the memory of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The Konstamonitou Monastery has a cell in Karyes, which is essentially the representative office of the Monastery, as well as two Kathismata in the wider area of the Monastery. The relics of the Holy Monastery of Konstamonitou: miraculous icons, ecclesiastical heirlooms and relics of Saints In the sacristy of the Konstamonitou Monastery, a Byzantine cross of excellent art, a piece of Sacred Wood, as well as relics of many Saints are kept in reliquaries. There is also a silver-gold plated Gospel that comes from Epirus and was made in 1820 as a gift from Kyra Vasiliki. The Monastery's collection of ecclesiastical utensils, gold and silver seals, as well as official documents is also rich. What stands out among the relics of the Monastery are the three miraculous icons of Saint Stephen, Our Lady of Antiphonatria and Our Lady of Odigetria. Finally, in the library of the Monastery, more than 100 manuscripts, 14 parchments and more than 1000 ancient copies are kept. In general, the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Konstamonitou is a remarkable Monastery on Mount Athos, with a unique architectural and religious significance. Visiting it can provide an experience of spiritual upliftment and appreciation of the history and tradition of Mount Athos. Contact with Monastery of Konstamonitou: Phone: +30 23770 23228, +30 23770 23228 Email: -

Holy Monastery of Karakallou: the Monastery dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul

Where is the Holy Monastery of Karakallou? The Holy Monastery of Karakallou is built on a slope, on the Northeast side of Mount Athos, at an altitude of 200m. It is located between the monasteries of Great Lavra and Iviron, while it is 30 minutes from the sea and 3 hours from Karyes. The Holy Monastery of Karakallou celebrates on June 29th the Apostles Peter and Paul and is in the 11th place in the hierarchy of the Monasteries of Mount Athos. Who is the founder of Karakallou Monastery? According to the tradition, the most likely version for the foundation of the Monastery of Karakallou speculates that a monk by the name of Karakalas, at the beginning of the 11th century, was the founder. The mention of the Monastery in an official document of the First Nikephoros (1018) and its omission in the Second charter or Typikon, is an example of the turbulent course of the monastery. On the other hand, it is possible that the name of the Monastery comes from the Turkish phrases "kara kale", meaning black fortress, or "kara kule" meaning black tower. The Holy Monastery of Karakallou over the centuries The depredations of the pirates and the favors of the Palaeologian Emperors The pirate raids that plagued the Athonian peninsula during the first two centuries since the foundation of the Athonian State, did not leave the course of the Caracallos Monastery unaffected. The blow of the raids was so great that in the 13th century, after the invasion of pirates and Latins, the Holy Monastery of Caracallou was led to complete desolation. However, the saving intervention of the Palaeologos Emperors, Andronikos II and John V, as well as the Patriarch of Constantinople, Athanasios, gave life to the monastery again. At the same time, during that period the number of monks increased and the Monastery was renovated. A few years later, the Monastery was once again the target of pirate raids, but this time it recovered more quickly. With the contribution of the Voevodas of Wallachia Ioannis Petros D'Rares, the Monastery was immediately rebuilt. In fact, Ioannis Petrou IV Rares himself eventually became a monk at the Karakallou Monastery and was honored as the second founder. In the year 1534, after the financial support offered by the Voevodas Ioannis Petros, and with the initiative of the abbot Germanos, the tower was built with its own refectory (trapeza). The heyday of the Holy Monastery of Karakalou and the favor of the Sultan In addition, following the permission of Sultan Suleiman, and with the special support of his daughter, the Karakalou Monastery was financially strengthened and experienced a significant period of prosperity. The flourishing period of the Monastery continued in the 17th century. Around 1674, the kings of Iberia (Georgia) Arihil and Vakhtang contributed to the prosperity of the Karakalou Monastery and donated to it the share of Saint Nikolaos in Ismailia. In 1875, the devastating fire that broke out led to the second phase of reconstruction of the Monastery, where older structures were repaired, and additions were made. Then, the refectory was rebuilt, Cells for the monks and guest houses. In recent years, the Holy Monastery of Karakallou took an active part in the struggles of the Greeks during the Greek War of Independence of 1821. The buildings of the Karakallou Monastery: the largest tower of Mount Athos Among the buildings of the Karakallou Monastery, a very remarkable work is the tower of Peter, which was built in the 16th century and is the largest of all the towers of Mount Athos! In addition, the Holy Monastery of Karakallou has 7 chapels and 18 Cells. Its Church is a 16th century building with additions in later centuries and is commemorated in memory of the Apostles Peter and Paul. The current Trapeza (refectory) of the Karakallou Monastery was built in 1875, but its original form is much older. The Library and the relics of the Monastery of Karakallou In the sacristy of the Karakallou Monastery are kept gold-embroidered vestments, liturgical utensils and a piece of Sacred Wood. In addition, among the relics of the Monastery are treasured the skull of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle and Saint Christopher. Furthermore, many portable icons are kept, the most important of which is that of the Apostles Peter and Paul, to whom the Monastery of Karakallou is dedicated. This icon was created in 1540 by the painter Konstantinos Palaiokapas. Another important icon is the one of the Twelve Apostles, which is placed on the wooden iconostasis of the Church and is a work of 1722 by Dionysios Fournas. 279 manuscripts and approximately 2,500 printed books are stored in the library of the Karakallou Monastery. Contact with Monastery of Karakallou: Phone: +30 23770 23225, 23770 23746 Email: [email protected]

Holy Monastery of Dionysios: the imposing Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner and Virgin Mary of Akathist

The location of the Monastery of Dionysios and its hierarchical position The Holy Monastery of Dionysios, also known as "Nea Petra" is built on a narrow and steep rock at a height of 80 meters from the sea, east of the Aeropotamos stream, between the monasteries of Saint Grigorios and Saint Pavlos. The architectural structure of the Monastery is impressive and reminds of an ancient fortress. Looking at the Monastery from the south side it seems to be suspended between wooden bases, while on the west side there are steep ravines that come down from Mount Athos and favor the north winds. The Holy Monastery of Dionysios is in the 5th place in the hierarchy of the Athonite Monasteries and celebrates on August 29, in memory of Saint John the Forerunner. When was the Dionysiou Monastery founded and who is the founder? The Dionysios Monastery was built in the 14th century and its founder was Saint Dionysios from Korysos in Kastoria. The construction of the monastery was a laborious process for Dionysios, as there were no financial resources and means for building. In the effort of Dionysios, a great supporter and sponsor was Alexios III Komnenos, Emperor of Trebizond, motivated also by the Metropolitan of the city Theodosios, who was a fellow brother of Dionysios. Donations to the Monastery were later continued by the Emperors Palaiologos, as well as by many leaders of Moldavia. Saint Dionysios completed the construction of the Monastery in 1380 and gave it his name. Important personalities at the Dionysios Monastery: Saint Niphon II, Patriarch of Constantinople and the monk Theoklitos Dionysiatis Around the middle of the 15th century, the Patriarch of Constantinople and enlightener of the Romanians, Nifon (or Nephon), went to the Monastery of Dionysios, but without revealing his identity. Nephon became a shepherd, but it soon became known that he was the former Patriarch. Crowds of monks flocked to his side to be taught by his words by the example of his humility and the adoring life he followed. Saint Nephon was laid to rest in the Monastery of Dionysios and his tomb is located near the cemetery of the Monastery, on the eastern side. Near the Monastery of Dionysiou is also the Skete of the Holy Apostles, where the blessed monk Theoklitos Dionysiatis lived. The elder Charalambos Dionysiatis was abbot of the Monastery and was the most prolific athonite writer of the 20th century. He was laid to rest in 2001. The Holy Monastery of Dionysios through the ages: a brief history In 1389, the patriarch Antonios IV declared the Monastery Patriarchal and thus gave it an autonomous status. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Moldavian Radoulos and his successor Neagos Vassaravas built the aqueduct and the tower of the monastery. In 1539 a fire, perhaps the only one so powerful in the history of the Monastery, burned a large part of its buildings, but they were soon restored and renovated. In the 16th and 18th centuries, the Monastery had great financial difficulties. At the beginning of the 19th century, it permanently returned to the commune system. The Church of Holy Monastery of Dionysios The Church of the Monastery is dedicated to the Genesis of the Saint John the Forerunner (June 24), and was built at the same time as the Monastery. However, the great fire destroyed it completely and the new Church was rebuilt in 1540. The new Church was decorated with frescoes, which date from around 1546 and are attributed to the artist George of the Cretan school. The gilded iconostasis and the frescoes of the Apocalypse are also considered notable works of art. In fact, the frescoes of the Apocalypse are the oldest complete pictorial expression of the Apocalypse in the Orthodox world. Our Lady of the Salutations or Akathistos The most important of the chapels located in the monastery's precincts is that of Panagia of Akathist. Inside this chapel is kept, on wax mastic, the ancient icon of Panagia of Akathist or Panagia of Greetings or Panagia Myrovlitissa. This icon is one of the priceless treasures of the Monastery, as the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos (Akathist Hymn) was sung for the first time in Constantinople. According to tradition, Patriarch Sergius held this image when he passed the walls of Constantinople and gave courage to the people and the army, during its siege by the Avars and Slavs in 626 AD. The Cells and Kathismata of the Dionysios Monastery The Monastery also has seven Cells and several Kathisma, as well as eight chapels and six chapels. The Dionysiou Monastery also owns the Monoxylitis metochi, which was given to it from the Great Lavra in the middle of the 17th century. The Dionysiou Monastery ranks fifth in the hierarchy of monasteries. The relics and the Library of the Holy Monastery of Dionysios Among the heirlooms of the Dionysios Monastery are many embroidered sacred vessels, gold-embroidered robes and relics of Saints. The most important relics are the right hand of the Saint John the Forerunner and the holy relics of Saint Nifon, in a silver and gold case. The sacred relics of the Monastery include an iron piece from the chain that had bound the Apostle Peter, when he was imprisoned in Rome. In addition, the relief representation of the Crucifixion in ivory, a work which dates back to the 10th century, is also considered important. The most important icon kept in the Dionysios Monastery is of the Virgin Mary of Akathist. In the library of the Monastery are treasured 1,100 manuscripts, some of them illustrated, and over 15,000 books with valuable archetypes and antiquities. Contact with Holy Monastery of Dionysios: Phone: +30 2377 023687 Email: [email protected]

Holy Monastery of Zografou: the monastery with the three miraculous icons of Saint George and Virgin Mary Epakouousa

Where is the Holy Monastery of Zografou and who are its founders The Holy Monastery of Zografou is built on an invisible wooded slope of the northwestern side of the Athonian peninsula. It is located at an altitude of 160 meters, it is 40 minutes from the beach, while it is 3.5 hours from Karyes. The Holy Monastery of Zografou celebrates Saint George (April 23) and is in 9th place in the hierarchy of the monasteries of Mount Athos. Who are the founders of Monastery of Zografou According to the tradition, the founders of Zografou Monastery are considered to be three brother monks, Moses, Aaron and John from Ahrida, who lived on Mount Athos in the 10th century. However, historical evidence testifies to another version of the establishment of the Monastery. In the first charter of Tsimiskis (972), George the Painter (in Greek, Zografos) is mentioned as the builder of the Zografou Monastery, who signs as abbot of the Monastery. The Zografou Monastery is dedicated to Saint George, as an old miraculous icon is preserved, which is one of the most important relics of the Monastery. The Holy Monastery of Zografou over the centuries Historical information about the course of the Monastery up to the 13th century is limited, however we speculate that Bulgarian monks lived there since then. Crisis at the Holy Monastery of Zografou due to the union of the two Churches At the end of the same century, the history of Zografou Monastery is stained with blood. Emperor Michael VIII and Patriarch Vekkos ordered the martyrdom of 26 monks from the Zografou Monastery, who refused the union of the two Churches and the unification policy of the state and ecclesiastical authorities. Nevertheless, Emperor Michael made rich donations to the monastery and helped in its development. In 1873 a cenotaph was built in memory of these Martyrs of the Zografou Monastery, with an inscription confirming that the events took place in 1276. Pirate raids hit the Holy Monastery of Zografou The monastery suffered from raids by Catalan pirates in the period 1307-1309, as a result of which many buildings were destroyed. However, the Monastery soon recovered with the sponsorship and support of the Palaiologos Emperors and the rulers of the Transdanubian countries. In the 15th century, the ruler of Moldovlachia, Stefanos the Great, decisively helped the Zografou Monastery and offered it a series of metochia. Until the beginning of the 19th century in the Monastery, together with the Bulgarian monks, there were also Greek and Serbian monks. However, from 1845 onwards, only Bulgarians remained. The renovation of the Holy Monastery of Zografou and the new buildings In the period 1862-1896, almost half of the Monastery was renovated. Then the heavy buildings of the northern side with the monks' cells, the propylon and the western wing were added. The Church of the Monastery was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The frescoes of the Church were done in 1817, while the narthex was done in 1840. North-west of the church is placed the phiale of the Holy Water on eight columns, as well as the chapel of the Dormition of the Virgin, built in 1758-1764. The refectory (trapeza) was built in 1896 and at a point above there is the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. In recent years, in 1974, the Monastery of Zografou experienced a relatively small fire that destroyed the south side. Metochia of the Holy Monastery of Zografou Zografou Monastery has 8 chapels inside the monastery and 8 chapels outside. In previous years, it had metochia in areas of Romania, Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey, but today it only has what is left in the Greek area. The Library of Monastery of Zografou The library is located in the tower of the Monastery and includes 126 Greek and 388 Slavic manuscripts, as well as about 10,000 printed books. Perhaps the most important manuscript of the Monastery is the Bulgarian code no. 17, Rabomir's psalter of the 13th century. Also, three Slavic manuscripts are considered of high historical value: the 13th century Dragan's Calendar with the lives of the martyred Saints, the Slavic codex no. 28, a Tetraevangeli in Slavic from 1569 and finally, the Slavic codex no. 1 of 1745, which essentially constitutes the first recording of the history of Bulgaria by the monk Paisios. The relics of Monastery of Zografou: the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary and Saint George Heirlooms, vestments, wood carvings, icons and relics of Saints are kept in the sacristy of the Monastery. Among the famous relics of the Zografou Monastery are the two miraculous icons of Theotokos, Virgin Mary of Akathistos and Virgin Mary of Epakouusa. In addition, the Holy Monastery of Zografou owns three miraculous icons of Saint George the Great Martyr. The first icon is associated with the three founders of the Monastery, Moses, Aaron and John. According to tradition, at some point the three brothers were trying to decide which Saint they would tell to be the patron saint of the monastery. Then, they prayed for a divine sign to be sent to them and left a piece of wood in the Temple. The next day, they returned to the Temple and found the unmade image of Saint George depicted on the board. Thus, they named the Monastery with the name of Zografou (=painter’s), after the icon that was found miraculously painted. The second icon of Saint George comes from Arabia and is placed on the eastern column in the left choir. This icon has a silver plating made in 1822. Finally, the third icon of Saint George is placed at the end of the horn of the left choir, in an iconostasis of the Abbot of Moldavia, Stephen, in 1546. Contact with Monastery of Zografou: Phone: +30 2377 0 23247 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou: here is the largest piece of Sacred Wood in the world!

Where is the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamos and how can a visitor reach it The Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou is located at an altitude of 200m. from the sea, west from the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra and east from the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon. If a pilgrim starts from Dafni, the port of Mount Athos, he has to cross a path about half an hour's walk, in a north-easterly direction. This path is a narrow dirt road, with a total length of 11 km, that connects Dafni with Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. On the other hand, if a pilgrim starts from Karyes, it will take about two hours to walk on this dirt road, in the opposite direction. When was the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou founded and who is considered the first founder According to the tradition, the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou was founded by Empress Pulcheria, wife of Emperor Markianus, in the year 424 AD. On the other hand, there are stories that point to Constantine VII the Porphyrogenitus or Romanos I Lekapinos as the founders of the Xiropotamou Monastery. However, according to historical sources, a more probable version for the real founder of the Monastery seems to be the monk Pavlos Xiropotaminos. The foundation of Xiropotamou Monastery dates back to the end of the 10th century by the monk Pavlos, who signed the first charter or Typikon (972 AD) of Mount Athos. The heyday of the: 11th – 15th century The Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou went through a long period of prosperity, starting from the 11th century and reaching the beginning of the 13th century. The monks had on their side the Emperor Palaiologos Michael VIII, who loved the Monastery and supported it financially. In 1280 a great fire destroyed a large part of the Xiropotamou Monastery and the emperor Andronikos II Paleologos greatly helped in the restoration of the monastery, offering financial resources and donations. For his great contribution to the Monastery, the emperor Andronikos II Paleologos is honored as one of the new founders of the Monastery. During the 14th and 15th centuries, there were many royals from Serbia, who offered financial support to the Monastery of Xiropotamou. With this money, high defensive walls and towers were built. The period of decline of the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou: 16th century The 16th century was difficult for the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou, which gradually fell into decline. At the beginning of the 16th century, in 1507 AD. the monastery burned down again. This time, Sultan Selim I greatly helped in the relief and restoration of the monastery. Sultan Selim I decided to help the Monastery after a dream he had with the 40 Martyrs in the shape of soldiers, who promised him that they would help him defeat the enemies, if he helped build the Monastery of Xiropotamou. Thus, the Monastery was renovated from the ground up. In 1760, a new period of prosperity began for the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou with the support of the Ecumenical Patriarchs, Timothy II and Methodius I. In addition, Caesarios Daponte made a long tour, in many parts of Greece, but also in the Transdanubian area to collect financial support for the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamos. He lived for several years in the Monastery of Xiropotamou and oversaw the rebuilding of the Church during the period 1761-1763. The monk Kaisarios Daponte was laid to rest in the year 1784 and many of his manuscripts are kept in the Library of the Monastery. The Church of the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou The Church of the Monastery of Xiropotamou is built in the center of the courtyard, it is dedicated to the 40 Martyrs and celebrates on March 9. Due to the terrain, the Church is facing North and on the outside there is an inscription written by the monk Caesarios Daponte, where the history of the Monastery is mentioned. There are 200 portable icons in the Church of the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou. Since 1981, the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou has been operating in the communal system and occupies the 8th place in the hierarchy of the monasteries of Mount Athos. The Monastery owns the port of Dafni, six dry river cells, seven chapels and nine chapels. The Library and Relics of the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou In the Library of Xiropotamou Monastery there are 409 manuscripts and more than 4,000 printed books. The Sacred Wood, the "Phiale of Pulcheria" and the holy relics of 61 Saints In the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou there is the largest piece of Sacred Wood in the world, as it is 31 cm long, 16 cm wide and 25 cm thick. According to tradition, this part of the Holy Wood was given as a gift to the Monastery by Emperor Romanos I or by Empress Pulcheria. In fact, a hole from the nails of the Crucifixion can be found on the part of the Holy Cross. Thus, the Monastery of Xiropotamou also celebrates on the Holy Cross (September 14). In addition, in the sacristy is kept part of the gifts of the Biblical Magi, who worshiped the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, part of the Crown of Thorns, the Sponge and holy cloak. Another important relic kept in the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou on Mount Athos is the famous disc of steatite stone, known as the "bottle of Pulcheria". In the sacristy of the Monastery, the sacred and holy relics of sixty-one saints are kept, including the bones of the Holy Forty Martyrs. Furthermore, four episcopal rods, of which two are made of electron, gold-embroidered sacred Vestments and liturgical Vessels are also preserved with great reverence. Contact with Monastery of Xiropotamou: Phone: +30 23770 23733 Email: [email protected]