Search - Page 22

343 articles found

Eldress Galaktia: Why God Gives Us Pain in our Lives

What Eldress Galaktia teaches us about pain "My child, God gives pain for three reasons: 1) To make the good, excellent. The vine, when pruned, feels pain and ‘bleeds’ where it is truncated. It drips water from the place where it is injured. Then it grows, grows, becomes a beam, and fills with grapes! The same applies to us. God prunes us. We discard bad habits with pain, change mentally, grow spiritually, and fill with beautiful fruits. 2) God gives pain even when He wants to take away small things from the soul and perfect it. When we confess, our wounds are healed. However, some small wounds remain that we did not value as important. A strong pain comes and completes the work... 3) Pain heals great sins. Like rust that is generated by iron and then rust ruins the iron. Like a woodworm that is generated by wood and then the woodworm eats the wood. So do the sorrows... they come from pleasures, and then the sorrows extinguish the pleasures... It is enough to have faith, repentance, patience..." From the book "H Οσία Γερόντισσα Γαλακτία της Κρήτης ", in the Greek language.

Eldress Galaktia of Crete: Prayer to our Lord

Orthodox Prayer to God Jesus Christ «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!». From the book "H Οσία Γερόντισσα Γαλακτία της Κρήτης ", in the Greek language.

Paths Trails of Mount Athos - Hiking on Athos Peninsula

Athos, the peak 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. The climbing in Mount Athos Although Athos is not among the highest mountains in Greece, ascending to its peak is considered particularly challenging. This is because climbers must traverse the entire elevation from sea level to the summit. Additionally, those chlimbers who are wishing to spend the night at the peak, must be well-prepared with sleeping bags, food, water, and other essentials, as there is no shelter available for accommodation. Despite the challenges, the climb rewards those who undertake it. The landscape is characterized by lush vegetation, including chestnut and oak trees and numerous small springs, composing a mesmerizing setting. Read the article about the Summit of Mount Athos. Hiking on the Mount Athos peninsula 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 absolute silence, coupled with the awe-inspiring monasteries, sketes, and hermit cells encountered along the way, creates a unique atmosphere. As described in the book Athos – Beauty and Grace: «Beauty and grace are to be found all over Greece, especially on the Athonite peninsula, the Holy Mountain, also known as “Garden of the Most Holy Virgin”, where on every single rock and cave, cobblestone path and passage, peak and valley, shore and torrent, spiritual wayfarers have for centuries now left their holy traces praying, supplicating and glorifying the World of God, who devises all things. » Find the book here: Athos – Beauty and Grace Hiking Trails to the 20 Monasteries of Mount Athos Below is a list of hiking routes and paths leading to the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, along with their respective distance and estimated completion time. All starting points are from Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. From Karyes to Great Lavra Monastery: distance 35 km duration about 7:00 hours From Karyes to Vatopedi Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Iviron Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours From Karyes to Hilandar Monastery: distance 30 km duration about 6:00 hours From Karyes to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours From Karyes to Koutloumousiou Monastery: distance 1 km duration about 10 minutes From Karyes to Pantokrator Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours From Karyes to Xeropotamou Monastery: distance 10 km duration about 2:00 hours From Karyes to Zographou Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Dochiariou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Karakallou Monastery: distance 17 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to Philotheou Monastery: distance 12 km duration about 2:30 hours From Karyes to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours From Karyes to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours From Karyes to Stavronikita Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:00 hour From Karyes to Xenophontos Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours From Karyes to Esphigmenou Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours From Karyes to St. Panteleimon Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours From Karyes to Konstamonitou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours Intermediate hiking trails on Mount Athos Additional, you can see the intermediate routes and distances in the Garden of the Virgin Mary, calculated in km and duration from Karyes to the Vigla region of Mount Athos. Karyes to Dafni (Central Port): distance 12 km duration about 3:30 hours Dafni to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 2:00 hours Simonopetra Monastery to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes Gregoriou Monastery to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:15 hours Dionysiou Monastery to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 3 km duration about 45 minutes St. Paul’s Monastery to New Skete Nativity of the Theotokos: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes New Skete to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes Skete of St. Anne to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes Skete of St. Anne to Kerasia: distance 5 km duration about 2:30 hours Kerasia to Panagia (Path to the Summit): distance 3.2 km duration about 3:00 hours Panagia to Athos Summit: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:20 hours Kerasia to Kavsokalyvia: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:30 hours To ensure a successful journey through these trails, the use of a detailed and up-to-date map is essential, especially in areas where mobile network coverage is limited or unavailable. Map is an invaluable tool for effective navigation and proper planning of the route. Below are some examples of maps that are fully updated and particularly practical for use. Map of Mount Athos Detailed hiking map of Mount Athos, which includes information about distances, routes, useful contacts and emergency contacts. Also, it includes estimated travel times for each route, based on the traditional Athonite walking pace. Find here: Map of Mount Athos Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed Waterproof hiking map that includes the routes of Mount Athos and is compatible with GPS devices. It is made from durable material that makes it strong and suitable for demanding/challenging conditions/cases of use. Find here: Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed - available in English, Russian, Greek Trekking Map of Mount Athos Trekking map of Mount Athos, crafted from waterproof and highly durable material, designed to withstand harsh conditions without easily wearing out. It is compatible with GPS devices and provides invaluable information about the trails and monasteries of Mount Athos. Find here: Trekking Map of Mount Athos The hiking and climbing experiences on Mount Athos are unique experiences because they combine the natural beauty of enchanting landscapes and a profound connection to Greece's rich culture and tradition. It is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor. Read our blog about Useful information for hiking on Mount Athos.

Useful information for hiking on 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". The difficulty of hiking due to inaccessible areas Mount Athos comprises an extensive network of forest roads. While these roads are particularly useful for the monastic community’s needs, they remain challenging for those who wish to traverse them, whether they be monks, pilgrims, or ordinary visitors. The weather conditions significantly affect the road network of the Athonite Peninsula. On days of intense heat, these roads become dusty and difficult to walk due to the lack of shade. Conversely, during periods of rainfall, the roads become muddy, making passage and final destination much more challenging. However, there are still paths accessible to pack animals, which can be used for transportation. Signage on the roads of Mount Athos It is worth noting that some paths are marked with clear signposts. However, many of the markings are vague or hard to distinguish. For this reason, detailed maps of the trails of Mount Athos are an essential tool for every pilgrim and explorer in the Garden of the Theotokos. Additionally, you can consult our article "Paths Trails of Mount Athos - Hiking on Athos Peninsula", which provides information on the distances between the monasteries of Mount Athos, as well as the intermediate stations along the routes. This guide covers a wide range of details regarding the road networks available to visitors and offers options of maps to facilitate navigation. Read the article about the Paths of Mount Athos. Read the article about the Summit of Mount Athos. Hiking tips for Mount Athos It is important to prepare thoroughly before embarking on a hike or ascent to the summit of Mount Athos. Weather conditions can be extreme, as the temperature drops by 2-3 degrees Celsius for every 100 meters of altitude gained. For example, if it is raining near sea level with a temperature of 10°C, at the summit, there could be a snowstorm. Additionally, even though maps are highly detailed and regularly updated, they may indicate the presence of springs, cisterns and water fountains, which, in periods of drought, may run dry. Find here: Trekking Maps of Mount Athos Some groups of pilgrims who wish to undertake long hikes even ascending to the peak of Mount Athos, often choose to cover part of the distance by sea. However, in such cases, one must consider that returning the same way (partly by sea) may not always be feasible. Before setting out on your journey to Mount Athos, ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date information on the following topics: 1. The summer and winter ferry schedules from Ouranoupolis and Ierissos. 2. The route from Ierissos to Great Lavra Monastery, which operates by boat only when weather conditions permit. 3. The route Daphne το Great Lavra Monastery, which operates up to Saint Anne’s Skete when the sea is rough. 4. No ferry service operates in severe storms, including the route from Ouranoupolis to Daphne. See here: Mount Athos Ferry Schedules from Ouranoupolis and Ierissos – Mikro Athos – Saint Anne – Athonite Lines Despite the challenges that may arise, hiking on Mount Athos and ascending to the peak of Athos is a unique experience that rewards every visitor. Find here: Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed

Wines of Mount Athos: the Secret behind Monastery Wine...since the 10th century!

The appearance of wine in the Garden of Virgin Mary Wine, as a blessed commodity, plays a predominant role in the life of the Athonite monasteries. The founder of the monastic state of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasius the Athonite, decreed that each monastery should have its own vineyards. Thus, since the 10th century, the founders of the monasteries, recognizing the value of wine, have numerous vineyards in their monastic properties. On Mount Athos, there were no large areas for grain, due to the geographical difficulty and the wildness of the place. However, the microclimate of Mount Athos as well as its special vineyards, are key factors for a distinct wine production, unique throughout the Balkan Peninsula and the Northern Aegean. Even today, a number of monks from each monastery are in charge of the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine. The diet of monks may be austere, but their two daily meals are accompanied by wine, except for the fasting days. The offering of wine is also indispensable during the visits of thousands of pilgrims to Mount Athos. The visitors' two daily meals are accompanied by wine or raki (i.e. raki is an alcoholic beverage produced from the fermentation of fruits or grapevines or honey, in the Balkan Peninsula). Athonite wine, besides covering the nutritional needs of the monks and offering to the visitors, is used as a product for sale, both inside and outside of the monastery walls. The wines of Mount Athos are renowned, both in Greece and abroad, allowing the monasteries to defray their expenses. The secret behind the wine production on Mount Athos The organized vine cultivation in the monasteries of Mount Athos has been practicing continuously for over 10 centuries with excess care and devotion from the fathers. When a pilgrim asked what the secret was behind the wonderful wine he had drunk, the Athonite monk replied, "I put in a few Salutations to the Mother of God and a little Vigil." This may be the "secret" behind the uninterrupted ten-century history of Athonite wines... The timeless production of wine in the Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos In the monastic republic of Mount Athos, each monastery produces its own wines from its enriched vineyards, uninterruptedly for centuries. Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra The Holy Monastery of Simonopetra took its name from its founder, Saint Simon the Myrrh-scented. It is said that initially the builders refused to build the Monastery because of the difficult geographical location that had been chosen. They accepted only when they were faced with a miracle that happened in that difficult place. In particular, the subordinate of Saint Simon fell from the 300 meter high rock, as he offered wine to the builders. Then he reappeared before them unharmed with the jug full of wine. Until today, visitors can see the wall painting of that miracle inside the monastery. During the period 1365-1371 AD, the Serbian ruler John Ouglesis, a benefactor of the monastery of Saint Simon, bought a piece of land named Dontas from the Monastery of Xeropotamou and donated it to the Monastery of Simonopetra. Dontas estate has extensive vineyards, where more than 15 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Assyrtiko, Limnio and edible grapes are cultivated. In the monastery's ‘vagenario’, known as wine press, there are two old, large barrels. One is named by Saint Simon and has a capacity of 7 tons, while the other is named Saint Mary Magdalene with a capacity of 5 tons. In the Holy Cell of Saint Nikolaos, in the vineyard of Holy Monastery of Simonopetra, there is the unique icon of the Virgin Mary "Votryodoros". In this depiction, Theotokos holds Jesus Christ on the one hand and a bunch of grapes on the other hand. Wines from the Glebe of Donta of the Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra In the monastery's winery, located in the Glebe of Saint Nicholas, known as 'Dontas', red, rosé, white wines, as well as Nama, are produced. Dontas Glebe Red Wine of the Simonopetra Monastery The Red Wine of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra is cultivated organically in the monastery's vineyard and is produced from the varieties Merlot and Limnio. Characteristics of this wine are its deep red color and rich aroma of black and red fruits. Rosé Wine of the Simonopetra Monastery Another wine that is produced in the vineyard of Simonopetra is the Rosé Wine and consists of the varieties Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is characterized by aromas of cherry and raspberry and its color is light ruby. White Wine of the Simonopetra Monastery The White Wine is derived from the Assyrtiko variety which is organically farmed in the vineyard of Saint Nicholas glebe, named ‘Dontas’. It has golden-yellow highlights and acidity from the citrus notes that it contains, imparting a fresh flavor and lasting duration. Magnum Red Wine of the Dontas Glebe of Simonopetra Monastery This excellent wine comes from Merlot and Limnio varieties, which are grown organically in the vineyard of the Monastery. It stands out for its deep red color and the rich aromas of black and red fruits. Here you can find all the Wines of Dontas Glebe of Simonopetra Monastery. Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi The Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi is the second monastery in the hierarchy of the monasteries of Mount Athos and offers a wide variety of high-quality wines. Indeed, the Cloister of Vatopedi is particularly renowned for its significant contribution to wine in the Protaton, the central administration of Mount Athos. According to records from 1393, the cloister offered approximately 625 liters of wine to the Protaton, more than double quantities of those in other monasteries. The wine press is located in the northwestern corner of the ground floor complex of the Vatopedi Monastery. Part of its buildings is still preserved to this day and is utilized as a cellar for aging and storing bottled wine. The wines that are produced at the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi Thanks to the unique climate of the Vatopedi vineyard on the northeastern coasts of Mount Athos and the ceaseless labor of the monks, several grape varieties thrive. The most well-known varieties include Assyrtiko, Athiri, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Rouge, Syrah, and Merlot. Merlot Red Wine of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi The Merlot Red Wine originates from an exceptional blend of organically cultivated grapes. Its color is dark cherry and it is balanced in flavor and tannins. Syrah of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi It is a wine from grapes of exceptional quality, certified by the Organic Products Control and Certification Organization. It boasts a deep ruby color, while offering a robust flavor with aromas of sage and damask. Rosé Wine of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi The monastic Rosé Wine is derived from the Grenache Rouge and Syrah varieties. It is characterized by a clear rose color with a rich, fresh taste and aromas of red fruits. White Wine of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi The white wine of Monastery of Vatopedi is organically cultivated by varieties such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Sauvignon Blanc. Its taste is particularly pleasant with fruity aromas and refreshing acridity. Holy Communion Wine - Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi The Red Wine is produced according to the traditional recipes left by the ancient monks of the Monastery. The fathers followed these recipes out faithfully and succeeded in creating an exceptional wine suitable for the Sacrament of the Church. Here you can find all the Wines of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi. The ‘Seat’ of Mylopotamos of the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra The Holy Monastery of Great Lavra was founded in 963 AD by Saint Athanasius the Athonite and is the first in the hierarchical ranking of monasteries. One of the oldest glebes of the Monastery is the ‘Seat’ of Saint Eustathius. It is built on the Mylopotamos river and takes its name from some watermills that existed in a nearby area. According to the handwritten will of Saint Athanasius, a lot of physical exertion was required to build the church of Saint Efstathios, the cells and the vineyards of the Monastery. It is said that the Monastery once produced up to 80 tons of wine. In 1992, the blessed monk Epiphanius, hailing from Nikisiani, Kavala, returned to Mount Athos and started the restoration of the Holy Cell of Saint Eustathius. He took care of the vineyards of Mylopotamos and cultivated various grape varieties. Wines from the Seat of Mylopotamos of the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra Some of the grape varieties, thriving in the vineyards of Mylopotamos, include Muscat of Alexandria, Assyrtiko, Merlot, Limnio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Hamburg Muscat. Oinomeli Mylopotamos The semi-sweet red aromatic wine originates from Hamburg Muscat and is produced at the winery of Mylopotamos. Its taste features both dry and semi-dry characteristics with rich aromas. Mylopotamos White Wine of Mount Athos The acreage yield of Muscat of Alexandria and Roditis, from which this particular aromatic wine originates, does not exceed 1000 acres. The taste of the white wine is particularly pleasant and refreshing, while the aromas of green apple dominate throughout the wine spectrum. Epifanis - Red Wine of Mylopotamos The Epifanis Wine is produced from the fifteen-year-old vines of Mylopotamos, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Limnio, and Merlot varieties. Its color is deep red and its aromas are from red fruits, plums and spices. Mylopotamos Red Wine A richly aromatic wine with forest fruits and a deep, radiant red color is the Mylopotamos red wine. It originates from varieties such as Merlot, Limnio, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mylopotamos Rose Wine of Mount Athos This particular single-variety rose wine is dry and derived from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which impart aromatic notes of strawberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Mylopotamos Nama The Nama of Mylopotamos is a sweet wine made from Muscat of Alexandria and Merlot grapes, which is used in the Mystery of the Holy Communion, as well as a dessert wine. Its aromas are dominated by rose and forest fruits, while its tannic structure is rich. Here you can find all the Wines of Mylopotamos on Mount Athos. Holy Monastery of Xenophon The Holy Monastery of Xenophon was founded by Saint Xenophon in 998 AD and is in the western coast of the Athos peninsula. The Monastery encompasses approximately 100 acres of vineyards, where its red and white wines are produced. The vineyards are farmed with devotion and expertise by the fathers residing in the Monastery. The wines produced at the Holy Monastery of Xenophon The wines of the Monastery of Xenophon are produced at the dependency of Saint Philip, situated above the ravine of Giovanitsa of the Monastery of Hilandari. Some of the grape varieties cultivated there include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Rouge, and Xinomavro. Red Wine of the Xenophon Monastery The red wine of the Holy Monastery of Xenophon is crafted from local varieties of Mount Athos and is characterized by a deep red color with purple highlights. White Wine of the Xenophon Monastery A special multi-variety white wine, which has a radiant pale-yellow color with greenish highlights. Nama Holy Monastery Xenofontos - Holy Communion Eucharist Wine The sweet red wine of the Monastery of Xenophon, with its deep red color, is derived from Xinomavro and Grenache Rouge varieties, featuring aromatic notes of vanilla, carnation, and cinnamon. It contains natural sugars that offer a sweet, rich taste and balance. Here you can find the Wines of the Xenophon Holy Monastery. Source: "Athos and Wine" by Eleni Kefalopoulou, with contributions from Aris Fotiadis.

Types of Honey and their Benefits - Greek Honey from Mount Athos

Mount Athos honey: the best and purest monastic honey The types of honey and beneficial properties of each type 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. Greek Chestnut honey from Mount Athos Mount Athos Chestnut Honey is a special honey, which is produced in the protected (NATURA 2000) chestnut forests of Mount Athos. It stands out for its intense peppery taste and its excellent properties. It emerges as a beneficial 'tonic'. Also, it has styptic, disinfectant, and healing properties, useful for the digestive and urinary systems, providing antimicrobial action in the intestine. It is recommended for athletes, the elderly and those with prostate problems or prostatitis. It can also act as an astringent in cases of dysentery. Find here: the original Chestnut Honey of Mount Athos Erica Manipuliflora Honey of Mount Athos Erica Manipuliflora honey is mainly produced in the Yovanitsa region and is collected during the months of September to November. Some years it may not be produced at all and so many prefer it in large quantities! Erica Manipuliflora honey is particularly well-known in France, from which the well-known gingerbread is produced. It is honey of excellent nutritional value and is particularly tonic for the human body. Find here: Erica Manipuliflora Honey of Mount Athos Pine Honey of Mount Athos In the forests of Kapsala and Giovanitsa on Mount Athos, the excellent Athonite pine honey is produced and collected every year in spring and autumn. It is not particularly sweet compared to blossom honey. It has a high content of potassium and sodium and has very strong antimicrobial properties. It also helps to treat inflammation, cough and gout. Find here: authentic Pine Honey of Mount Athos Pure Monastic products with Honey from Mount Athos: Propolis Oral Spray with Cinnamon and Honey - Soothes the throat Propolis Oral Spray with Vanilla and Honey – Natural expectorant Multivariety Honey Pine - Balsam - Thyme This aromatic honey was created from the pine forests of Yovanitsa and the late spring blooms of the Northeast side of Mount Athos. Saint John’s wart or balsam, marubium or broom-plant, elfin thyme or thymus serpyllum and many more plants give a delicate aroma, golden color in the light, rich buttery taste and a particularly pleasant aftertaste. Find here: pure multivariety Honey with Pine - Balsam and Thyme Fir Honey of Mount Athos A unique honey with high nutritional value and mild sweet taste is fir honey. This honey stands out for its special aroma, thick liquid texture, and rare amber color. The holy fathers of Mount Athos produce fir honey using the honeycomb centrifugation method and do not interfere with any heat treatment at all. Thus, fir honey is rich in beneficial properties and keeps all its trace elements unchanged. Fir honey has a high content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, while at the same time it acts as an antiseptic in the respiratory system and treats bad breath. Due to the low content of natural sugars, fir honey is almost never sweetened. Find here: the original Athonite Fir Honey Oak Honey of Mount Athos In the protected (NATURA 2000) forests we also find stands of oak trees. Its production may not be achieved every year due to climate and particular conditions. Oak honey is dark in color with a special and not sweet taste. It has many antioxidant properties and a high content of potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. It contributes to the well-being of the gastrointestinal system, treats the symptoms of flu and fatigue and acts against hemorrhoids. Find here: Oak Honey of Mount Athos Pure Monastic products with Honey from Mount Athos: Natural Shampoo with Aloe Vera, Honey and Calendula Soap with Butter and Honey - Antibacterial and soothing action Arbutus Honey of Mount Athos Another honey found in the protected (NATURA 2000) forests of the Athonite peninsula is the Arbutus honey produced from the honeydew of the strawberry tree. Its taste is bitter and gives the sensation of baked caramel. It is an excellent source of trace elements, vitamins and natural antibiotic substances that make it a natural health ally. Find here: Arbutus Honey of Mount Athos Blossom Honey of Mount Athos Blossom honey is produced in the small plains in the north side of Mount Athos from the nectar of flowers. It is the sweetest honey and its taste is mild. It contributes to the good functioning of digestion and the proper development of children. It also provides energy and endurance and regulates the functioning of the intestinal system and liver. Find here: Blossom Honey of Mount Athos Ivy Honey of Mount Athos Ivy honey is produced in the area, where the holy cells of Vatopedi Monastery are located and is collected with admixture from the honeydew of oak trees. For this reason, it is darker in color and its fluidity is good. Its sweetness is moderate and depending on the weather conditions it can show a slight bitterness in its taste. Furthermore, it has high content of enzymes, vitamins, trace elements and anti-oxidants. Find here: original Ivy Honey of Mount Athos Read here: Saint Philaret the Patron Saint of Beekeeping

Why is Wine Important in Orthodox Religion: Old & New Testament

Wine in the Christian Orthodox Religion During the spread and flourishing of Christianity in Greek-Roman civilization, wine had already been a staple foodstuff. Therefore, it did not take a long time for the Christian religion to accept it and treat it as a blessed commodity. It is noteworthy that the words ‘wine’ and ‘vineyard’ are frequently used as examples in the Evangelical parables and there are many references to them in the Holy Scripture. The symbolism of wine during the cementation of Christianity In the Old Testament As we know from the writings in the Old Testament, wine acquired distinctive symbolism. After the flood, Noah planted and managed to create his own vineyard. In Exodus, God gave a promise to bless three significant goods for human life: bread, water and wine. The lands and climate in the regions of Hebron and Palestine were conducive for the cultivation of vineyards. Viticulture flourished in a short time and gained great demand, as people cultivated their vines to produce the blessed wine. David hymns wine through his psalms, saying: "And wine that makes glad the heart of man..." (Psalm 104:15) and "You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased" (Psalm 4:7). Essentially, David believes that wine delights the heart, which is one of the most vital organs of the human body and the center of human emotions. In the New Testament In the New Testament, it also becomes clear that wine acquires a sacred significance through various events. Jesus Christ starts his numerous miracles at the wedding in Cana, where He transforms water into wine. Later, in the Last Supper, our Lord gave a cup of wine to His disciples, saying: "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). With this mention of our Lord, it was established to offer bread and wine in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Here you can find icons of the Last Supper. Read here: Wines of Mount Athos: the Secret behind Monastery Wine...since the 10th century! Nama, the wine of the Holy Eucharist ‘Nama’ or ‘Anama’ is the wine that is used in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and is prepared through a special process. For approximately 48 hours, the grape must boils slowly until it is concentrated. For every 600 kilograms of grape must, a bucket of already condensed stum is added to initiate fermentation once again. Throughout this entire process of preparing the Nama wine, great care is recommended, as the stum can turn sour. The presence of wine in sepulchral customs It is worth mentioning that in sepulchral customs that are preserved even today, the presence of wine is necessary. During the sacrament of burial, the priest prays, pouring some wine on the grave of the departed. In addition, during the exhumation, the bones are washed with wine. In the past, in some areas, relatives washed the warm body of the deceased with wine or vinegar. In certain regions in Greece, at the memorial services, the relatives bring, along with koliva, wine or stafylarmia (in Greek σταφυλαρμιά) that is grapes in petimezi (i.e. concentrated stum). Read here: Koliva: the symbolism of the ingredients and how we decorate them. Saint Tryphon, Patron Saint of Viticulture During the pruning season, all monasteries that have vineyards, as well as the rural population outside the walls of monasteries, pray for a good harvest, to the Patron Saint of Viticulture and agriculture, Saint Tryphon. Here you can find icons with Saint Tryphon. Source: "Athos and Wine" by Eleni Kefalopoulou, with contributions from Aris Fotiadis.

Eldress Galaktia of Crete: the 4 Things God Wants from Us

WHAT LORD WANTS The caretakers who lived near Eldress Galaktia of Crete recorded her teachings, in order to capture her spiritual wisdom to enlighten the world. Below you will read Gerontissa's words in full about what she feels the Lord wants from us. 18th September 2016 - Record from her caretakers ELDRESS: «Whoever feels even a little bit of the Light of God, the love of God, loves the whole world afterwards. He/She prays for the whole world. You see what God is and what you are. You cry for your sins afterward. I don't know anything else. Ask the educated to tell you. I feel that there are four things that God primarily desires: Repentance, humility, silence, and love accompanied with mercy in secret. These are the foundation. The rest come afterwards... ». From the book "H Οσία Γερόντισσα Γαλακτία της Κρήτης ", in the Greek language.

What is the explanation of Holy Thursday in the Greek Orthodox Church

Why is it called Maundy Thursday During the Great and Holy Thursday, all the christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples and the washing of their feet. It is the fifth day of the Holy week and is also called Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the latin word ‘mandatum’ which symbolizes the words of Jesus Christ ‘I give you a new commandment’. Why is the Supper of Holy Thursday called ‘Secret’? An explanation from the Greek language Father Stefanos Anagnostopoulos explains that the word ‘Μυστικός’ in Greek (Mystikos, meaning ‘secret’), is delivered from the noun ‘initiate’ which comes from the verb ‘initiate’ (in Greek μυώ, myo). Therefore, the Last Supper did not take place in secret, but it had a higher cause, to initiate the Apostles in the martyrdom that would follow. In the Last Supper, our Lord Jesus Christ revealed, presented and taught to His twelve disciples, that the sacrament of His Sacrifice on the Cross has already been accomplished. The Supper of Holy Thursday is called ‘Last’ because Jesus Christ initiated His disciples and through the disciples, us, into the saving sacrifice: He Himself performed the Cross of Calvary. Through the Last Supper, Jesus Christ, in an inconceivable way to the human mind and common sense, foresees the events of the betrayal, the Trial, the Passion, the Calvary and the Sacrifice on the Cross. And He expects them because they are present in the food of His Holy Body and His Holy Blood..."Take, eat, this is My body", he says to his disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood…” For the Lord to speak in this manner, signifies that the Sacrifice has already been performed and continues to be realized till nowadays through our Divine Liturgy! Here you can find icons with the Last Supper.

Koliva: the symbolism of the ingredients and how we decorate them

What do All Souls’ Days symbolize? 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. When we celebrate the All Souls’ Days The first All Souls’ Day of the year is 57 days before Holy Easter. It is also called “Saturday of Souls” and is the Saturday before Meat fare Sunday. Οn Meat fare Sunday we seek to commemorate the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our dead have not yet been judged, so we remember them on this day and, invoking the infinite mercy of the Lord, we beg Him with the memorial service we do, to rest them. The second All Souls’ Day of the year is 48 days after Holy Easter. It is also called "Saturday of Souls" and is celebrated before Pentecost Sunday. All Soul’s Days are connected with memorial services as both are held in memory of our own people who are no longer alive. Our tradition calls for koliva for All Souls’ Days, which we take to the Church in honor of our beloved departed. Why do we eat kolyva at memorial services The kolyva are one of the oldest Christian customs of the Orthodox Church that is preserved until today and is directly connected to the departed. According to the tradition, the koliva were established to be offered to the temples by Saint Theodore Tyron, who had distributed koliva in the region of the Euchaites in Galatia during a period of famine. Another tradition states that Saint Theodore Tyron performed a miracle on Emperor Julian. In particular, the emperor was about to force Christians to eat only food derived from sacrifices, eliminating all other kinds of food. Either way, koliva were established to be offered both on All Souls’ Days and at memorial services to those attending there and then to the homes of relatives and friends. Here you can find book about the Memorial Services and Their Benefits. Why the ingredients from the koliva must be nine Koliva is made of 9 ingredients because they symbolize the angelic orders, which are nine. Each ingredient is accompanied by its own symbolism. What are the ingredients in the koliva and what do they symbolize 1. Wheat: the main ingredient of koliva is wheat, which is usually boiled and symbolizes the earth and people, who are not alive. 2. Pomegranate: the second ingredient is the pomegranate and symbolizes the mercies and splendor of Paradise. 3. Sugar: the next ingredient that is included in the koliva, is sugar, which reveals the sweetness of Paradise. 4. Raisins: raisins are the fourth ingredient that shows the Vine that is Jesus Christ. 5. Parsley: parsley is another ingredient and symbolizes rest " in a place of green pasture ". 6. Breadcrumbs or sesame seeds: these two ingredients indicate the soil. 7. Cinnamon: cinnamon is one of the main ingredients that is used in koliva and indicates the fragrance and the various scents ("…laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid…”). 8. Almonds: they symbolize fertility and life is perpetuated with offspring. 9. Silver and white sugared-almonds: the final ingredient is the silver and white sugared-almonds that symbolize the unaltered bones after the wear and tear of the body. Here you can find the two monastic recipes for the koliva. The decoration of the koliva The decoration of the koliva and the tray are of outstanding value. It serves Christian symbolism and with the joyful note it imparts, it tries to relieve the sadness and pain of losing a person. The decoration of the koliva can be done with either pomegranate, almonds or sugared-almonds. Also, various seals, stencils, usually made of wood, are used to imprint the Cross or another Christian symbol in the center of the koliva. These wooden seals usually have two handles for easy installation and removal, which makes them very easy to use. They depict various symbols in the center such as the Cross with two little angels and the symbol IC XC NIKA or Saints such as Saint Paisios, Saint John the Theologian or Saint Paraskevi. Here you can find the seals for the koliva.

Saint George the Trophy-Bearer: The Miraculous Icon at Xenophontos Monastery on Mount Athos

The story behind the Miraculous Icon of Saint George The miraculous icon of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer is located at the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos and dates back to the period of Iconoclasm. How the icon was saved from the Iconoclasts During the time of the Iconoclasm in Constantinople, the Iconoclasts acted against sacred icons and attempted to get rid of them by throwing them into the fire. When they came across the icon of Saint George, they tried to destroy it in the same way, but were unsuccessful. The miracle of the icon in the fire The iconoclasts threw the icon into the flames, but it remained unharmed, with only a little damage to the garments of Saint George. At that moment, a servant of the king stabbed the icon where the saint's chin was, and immediately blood began to flow! The heretics were stunned by this event. They were scared, decided to leave the icon behind and disappeared. At the same time, a devout christian found the icon of Saint George and prayed for its safe passage through the sea. During his prayer, the faithful's words were as follows: "Great Martyr of Jesus Christ, Trophy-Bearer Saint George, you who performed so many miracles during life and after death, and who have just now left your holy icon safe from fire, preserve it now and carry it safely through the sea, wherever you know and desire, for the glory of our God." With these words, the christian threw the icon on the sea. Here you can find icons of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer. How the icon arrived at the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos The holy icon of Saint George arrived by Divine Providence in the 10th century at the coast of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos. At the spot where the miraculous icon was found, at the edge of the beach next to a rock, existed the small Monastery of the Great Martyr Saint Demetrius, where a small chapel still stands to this day, erected by Saint Xenophon. Initially, the holy icon of Saint George was placed there. It is said that when Saint Xenophon saw the icon floating on the sea, he personally financed the construction of the old Cathedral of the Monastery in honor of Saint George. Since then, Saint George has been considered the patron of Xenophontos Monastery. The Holy Water of Saint George with its healing properties Why was he named 'Dysuritis' At the location where the miraculous icon was found, acidic healing water flows to this day. According to tradition, this is the holy water of Saint George, which has healing properties for kidney ailments, gallbladder issues, and the disease of dysuria. Thus, Saint George received the sobriquet 'Dysuritis'. Read more here: Holy Monastery of Xenophontos: The Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria and Saint Georgios Today, the miraculous icon of Saint George is placed in the main Church of Saint George on the eastern column. The holy icon depicts Saint George in full figure, as well as the wound on his neck with blood, as a sign of the miracle that occurred centuries ago. Even today, the icon reminds the countless miracles that were performed by the Holy Great Martyr Saint George. The monks honor and commemorate Saint George the Trophy-Bearer and Saint Demetrius the Myroblyte daily during the dismissals of Divine Services. Here you can find icons of Saint George and Saint Demetrius. When is the celebration of Saint George Our Church commemorates the memory of Saint George twice a year. On April 23rd, we honor his dormition through beheading, and on November 3rd, we celebrate the disinterring of his relics.

Prayers for the Departed - What dates are All Souls Day?

Why the All Souls’ Days are established The two All Souls’ Days have been established by our Church in honor of all those people, who have departed and did not receive the prescribed memorial services. When are the All Souls’ Days 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. For the year 2024, the first All Souls’ Day of the year is on March 9th and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 22nd. For the year 2025, the first All Souls’ Day is on February 22nd and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 7th. For the year 2026, the first All Souls’ Day is on February 14th and the second All Souls’ Day is on May 30th. For the year 2027, the first All Souls’ Day is on March 6th and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 19th. Here you can find recipes for Koliva from Mount Athos. What do kolyva symbolize During the All Souls’ Days, as well as during memorial services, the faithful use to offer kolyva (or koliva) to the Church for the souls of their departed loved ones. Koliva symbolize the mutual resurrection of humans, and the wheat, the primary ingredient, represents the human body. Orthodox Prayer for the deceased O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which they have committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen. Here you can find the book 'Memorial Services'. Prayer for the dearly missed Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servant, our brother/sister, (name), who has reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all his/her sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver him/her from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto him/her the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though he/she hath sinned, yet hath he/she not forsaken Thee, and he/she undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until his/her last breath did he/she confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto him/her and reckon his/her faith in Thee, rather than his/her deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant him/her rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.