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Prayer Against the Evil Eye & Demonic Influence

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

Holy Bread Prosphora Recipe from Mount Athos

In Mount Athos, before we start kneading the holy bread, we light on the candle with icons of the Virgin Mary and the Saint's of the Monastery, located in "prosforeio". THe candle will burn until the the holy bread go out from the oven.The priest is coming censes and reads a special prayer. The kneaders chant hymn of St. Tychonas, bishop of Amathus.Then, as they knead, chant the greetings to Virgin Mary. Ingredients:750 g. flour1 teaspoon salt200 g. yeastWater (as much as it needs) Instructions:Overnight prepare the yeast like in the bread. The other day sift the flour in a bowl, make a hole in center and pour inside the yeast. Mix the salt in the water. Use as much water as it needs for the dough to be stiff. Add the water in the pan and knead for 20 minutes. Then, cover with a towel and leave the bowl with the dough for 15 to 10 minutes. Knead again for another 10 minutes and cover for 10 more minutes. Knead third and last time for 20 minutes. Afterwards, make the holy bread as follows: Shape two balls and stick one over the other. In the upper ball vigorously press the holy bread seal. This way you will form a holy bread. Make the same process until you finish the dough. Then, put the holy breads in the large baking pan with flour, cover them with a clean towel and leave in a warm place, until they rise. With a fine needle pierce the holy bread at the four corners of the seal and in the middle (the needle should not reach the bottom). Bake in the oven in high temperature for 45 minutes. Find here all the Holy Bread Prosphora Seals.

Lady of Vladimir in Russia - Miraculous Icon

The miraculous icon of our Lady of Vladimir is one of the most well-known and beloved icons throughout Russia. It holds significant historical and cultural value, with its connection to the Russian people dating back to the earliest centuries of its history. What the icon of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir depicts The icon of the Panagia of Vladimir depicts the Ever-Virgin Mary holding the young Jesus Christ in her arms. Jesus Christ touches His cheek to His Mother and looks at her with tenderness. The journey of the icon through the centuries: from Jerusalem to Russia According to tradition, the Evangelist Luke was the creator of the icon of the Theotokos. The icon remained in Jerusalem until the mid-5th century and was then transferred to Constantinople, to the Church of the Virgin Eleousa. In the 12th century, Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges of Constantinople (1157-1169) offered the icon of the Theotokos to Duke Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgorukov as a wedding gift. The prince received the precious icon and kept it in the women's monastery of Vyshgorod. In the year 1155, Prince Andrey Bogolybsky transferred the holy icon to the city of Vladimir in Russia. This event led to the construction of a magnificent cathedral dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, where the miraculous icon was to be enshrined. The miracles of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir The miraculous icon of the Theotokos remained in Vladimir for approximately three centuries. During this entire period, the icon of our Lady performed countless miracles and supported all the faithful who sought her help. The miraculous action of the Theotokos soon became known throughout Russia. Find at our eshop: iconographies of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir The miracles that saved the icon of the Theotokos One of the miracles of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir was that the icon remained unchanged when a fire broke out and completely burned down the church. Additionally, the miraculous icon was saved and not destroyed during the looting by the Tatars, while in many battles of Prince Andrey near the Volga River, it was found near him. The transfer of the icon to Moscow In 1395, the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir was transferred to Moscow with the purpose of protecting the city from the attack of Tamerlane (Timur Lenk). Initially, Prince Vasily Dimitrievich and Metropolitan Cyprian conducted litany with the holy icon of the Virgin to save the city from the invasion of the fearsome Timur Lenk. On August 26, 1395, after 10 days of litany, the faithful welcomed the icon and placed it in the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Saving Dream of Tamerlane At the same time, Tamerlane slept in his tent and had a terrible dream. From a high mountain, many high priests descended, holding golden crosiers in their hands, while above them was a woman wrapped in a shield of light. Around the woman were countless angels holding fiery swords. Suddenly, they ran towards him. When Tamerlane woke up, he asked his counselors to interpret the dream that he had just seen. They told him that the dream symbolized the Mother of God Virgin Mary and the protector of the Russians. Hearing this interpretation, Tamerlane decided to retreat. Thus, this miracle proved to be salvation for the Russian people. Where is the icon today It is worth noting that the icon of the Virgin Mary is credited with the victories of the Russians against the Tatars during the 15th century. In 1480, the icon was permanently transferred to Moscow. In 1918, the Soviet government took over the maintenance of the precious icon. The four layers that covered the Theotokos were removed and the miraculous icon returned to its original form. Ultimately, the icon of our Lady of Vladimir was transferred to the Museum of History in Moscow and from there to the Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains to this day in a chapel. Find here: Enamel icons of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir.

How to Pray with a Prayer Rope - The Origin of Komboskini

How to use a prayer rope - Greek Orthodox Komboskini During prayer, the faithful move through the knots, not for numerical counting, since the number of knots on each praer rope is fixed, but to maintain their focus. There are generally two ways of praying with a prayer rope. Free prayer, which can be done at any time and in solitude. Holding the prayer rope in either the left or right hand, one uses the thumb to pass over each knot while saying the prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” or “Most Holy Theotokos, save us.” Structured prayer, as prescribed by our spiritual father. In this case, the prayer rope is held in the left hand, and following the guidance of the spiritual father, the faithful recites a specific prayer while counting the required number of knots with the thumb, according to their prescribed "canon". Find here: Mount Athos Prayer Ropes What prayers do you pray with a prayer rope Each knot is typically accompanied by one of the following prayers. It can either be the Jesus Prayer or prayers to the Virgin MAry, the Saints and Archangels. "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on the sinner, Most Holy Theotokos, save us, Saints of God, intercede for us." or "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the Saints, have mercy on me, the sinner." Or the shorter version: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner." "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” With the aid of a prayer rope, one can also offer other short prayers, such as: 1. The Publican’s Prayer: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." 2. Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos: "Most Holy Theotokos, save us." 3. Prayer to the Guardian Angel or Saints: "Holy Angel (or Saint [Name]), intercede for me." If, instead of these invocations, one uses the phrases “have mercy on us” or “intercede for us,” or prays by naming specific individuals, then the prayer rope is used for intercessory prayers on behalf of others. 4. Prayer for the departed: "Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant." The history of the prayer rope - When and why was the first prayer rope made The prayer rope is a cord used as a tool for prayer by monks, clergy, and laity of the Orthodox Church. It is particularly widespread in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, while similar tools that aid in prayer concentration can also be found in other religions with different names and forms. When was the first prayer rope created and for what purpose? The use of prayer ropes dates back to the early Christian centuries. Before the use of prayer ropes, prayers were counted by moving small stones or seeds from one container to another. One of the most well-known traditions attributes the creation of the prayer rope to St. Pachomius. St. Pachomius was seeking a practical way to help monks with their prayers. It is said, therefore, that the Archangel Gabriel visited Saint Pachomius in his sleep and described to him the method of constructing a "tool", that is, the prayer rope that would meet the needs of prayer. Another theory describes a monk who devised simple knots on a cord, but the devil repeatedly untied them. Then, an Angel of the Lord appeared and taught him a special knot, woven in the shape of crosses, to prevent its destruction. Find here: Mount Athos Prayer Ropes How a prayer rope is made A prayer rope is handwoven by monks or skilled artisans. They choose a thin cord or thread made of various materials, as we will see in detail below, and create the knots. With a special technique, the knots are distinct to the touch. During the weaving of a monastic prayer rope, the monk recites prayers for each knot individually. Upon completing the necessary number of knots, as determined by the monk, the two ends of the cord or thread are joined, forming a cross. How many different prayer ropes exist Types of Prayer Ropes Orthodox prayer ropes are categorized based on the number of knots, the way they are worn and the material from which they are made. Number of Knots The most common and simplest prayer rope consists of 33 knots. However, there are also prayer ropes with 12, 50, 100, and 300 knots, referred to as 12-knot, 50-knot, 100-knot, and 300-knot prayer ropes, respectively. Placement on the body that prayer rope is worn The Greek Orthodox komboskini can either be worn on the finger, or around the wrist or around the neck. The prayer ropes, designed for the fingers, are small in size (12 knots) and are known as finger prayer ropes. Correspondingly, those meant to be worn on the wrist are called prayer ropes for the hand, while longer ones intended for the neck are known as neck prayer ropes. Most prayer ropes feature a cross, either woven among the knots or placed at the end, marking the end of the rope. Additionally, some prayer ropes include separators every 10, 20, or 50 knots, either as beads or through a different thread color. Material of construction Traditional Orthodox prayer ropes are typically made from black wool. However, there are also prayer ropes made of silk thread. Find here: Wool Prayer Ropes Find here: Waxy and Silky Prayer Ropes Additionally, some prayer ropes are crafted from beads of various kinds and colors, such as wooden beads or beads made from natural materials. Notable examples include the athonite prayer rope of the Twelve Apostles, made by the monks of Mount Athos using nutmeg seeds, as well as the athonite prayer rope with beads made from olive pits. Another unique material used in making prayer ropes is the so-called "Tears of the Virgin Mary," which comes from the dried seeds of a shrubby plant known by the same name. According to Christian tradition, this plant sprouted from the tears of the Theotokos that fell to the ground beneath the Cross of Jesus. It is said that this shrub, named "Tears of the Virgin Mary," miraculously appeared at the moment of her Son’s Crucifixion. Find here: Prayer Ropes with Tears of the Virgin Mary Finally, other types of prayer ropes can be found, made from leather and semi-precious stones. Find here: Leather, Wooden and Stone Prayer Ropes Find here: Prayer Ropes with Beads In conclusion, the prayer rope is not a decorative accessory but a spiritual tool for ascetic practice and concentration in prayer. "I urge Christians to make Crosses and Prayer Ropes, and I pray to our Christ to bless them so that they may have them as protective amulets." (Saint Cosmas the Aetolian) Read also: "The symbolism of the Prayer Rope - Orthodox Komboskini"

Mount Athos Pastitsio with Mushrooms

Ingredients:500 g. spaghetti for pastitsioSome cinnamon1 kilo mushrooms in slices1 cup of oil3 medium size onions1 small glass of white wine300 g. tomato juice For the Béchamel:Some parsley7 cups of water or Soya milkSome allspice1 ¾ cups of flourSome black pepper1 cup of oil1 teaspoon of salt Instructions:Prepare the sauce. Peel the onions and chop them in the blender. Boil the onions, with the tomato, the parsley and later add the spices. Boil it until it gets thick. Sauté the mushrooms in a cup of oil and a glass of white wine until they dry. Mix the sauce with the mushrooms. Boil them together for 5 – 10 minutes and sprinkle with some salt. To make the béchamel sauce, boil the water or the soya milk with the oil and salt and then add the flour, which has been well dissolved in a little cold water. Spread half of the spaghetti over a medium baking pan, on which you have sprinkled some oil. Then, pour the sauce. Spread the other half amount of the spaghetti over the sauce and lastly pour the béchamel on top, so that the entire surface will be well covered. Bake at 180 degrees in preheated oven, until it is brown. Find here the cookbook: Traditional Recipies of Holy Mount Athos by Monk Nikitas Agioreitis

Wise Words - Advice from Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

The spiritual legacy left to us, by Elder Paisios through teachings, sayings and advice. Saint Paisios of Mount Athos was born in Farasa, Cappadocia, on July 25, 1924. As a child, he sought to become a monk, devoting his entire life to Our Lord. Elder Paisios lived a virtuous life, with deep devotion to the spiritual struggle, humility, constant fasting and unceasing prayer, until the last moment, when he passed away on July 12, 1994. Saint Paisios is buried in the Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, Thessaloniki. Find here: Saint Paisos Books 12 Wise words and Advice from elder Paisios… as a spiritual guide for our lives! "Many people have it all, but they also have sorrow because they haven’t found Jesus Christ…" "Whether we pray for ourselves or for others, prayer must be heartfelt…" “Today, in the midst of so many dangers that we live, God protects us like a mother protects a young child, when it begins to walk. Now, Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and the Saints help us the most, but we do not understand it. Imagine how the world would be, if they did not help! " "God never abandons us… We abandon him!"find here: Orthodox icons on wood with Saint Paisios"With a glance at the Sky, everything would change!" "The years we are going through are very difficult and very dangerous, but in the end Jesus Christ will win!" Find here: Wooden Magnet with Saint Paisios the Athonite Find here: Wood carved cross with Saint Paisios "After the demonic rain, the divine sunshine will come!" “Treat everything with love, kindness, patience and humility. Be like rocks. Everything erupts on you, but like the waves, everything falls back. You must be calm!" "The Lord was crucified, he did not crucify anyone - he was killed, he did not kill anyone!" "Glory to God" should never be missing from your lips!" Find here: Greek orthodox fylachto amulet with Saint Paisios "Why, Elder, while we have often felt the omnipotence of God, do we not see His blessing to us?" "It is a trap of the devil. The devil throws ashes in the eyes of man, to block the Grace of God. Because, when the man sees the providence of God, his granite heart will soften, he will become sensitive and he will burst into praise, and this is not in the devil's interest "."In order for the paternal books to help, we must read them with humility and prayer…" Find here: Seal for Koliva with Saint Paisios Find here: Silver Pendant with Saint Paisios the Athonite

Prayer for Peace

Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth. Guide, I pray, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your image, to Your honor and praise. Amen.

The Symbolism of Objects Held by Saints in Byzantine Iconography

What do the objects held by the Saints in Byzantine Iconography symbolize Orthodox icons as a way of communication with the Christian Faith Orthodox hagiography reveals to Christians the unearthly, which transcends the boundaries of our physical world. It functions as a way of communication and seeks to highlight the new world that will come with the Kingdom of God. This can be expressed through the icons of the Saints, where characteristics such as schematization, simplicity and differentiation prevail. In this article you will read about the symbolism of various objects in Byzantine Iconography, such as the cross and the Church held by the Saints, the open palms, the Gospel, the scrolls, the rod, medical objects, as well as the choices of colors. The basic characteristics of Byzantine iconography Schematization aims to change the material shapes and colors so that they exude spirituality, lose their ephemeral character and acquire an eternal hypostasis (existence). At the same time, the simplicity that prevails in the icons is intended to convey the message of Orthodoxy of restraint and starkness, while focusing on the core of the theme and message of the icon. Finally, the differentiation presents the icon in an altered form, while retaining the key features, in order to highlight the message of rebirth in light and Divine Glory. In some cases, the icons depict the Saints holding objects with a special symbolism. These objects, in combination with the other elements of the icon, help to identify the Saints and assist in the narration of their lives. Here you can order handmade iconography from Mount Athos. What the colors of the icons symbolize The colors of the icons are often described as unnatural. For example, oftentimes we see horses depicted in red color or rocks in blue or purple, which is a deviation from reality. As we can conclude, color is not a decorative element but gives a deeper meaning to the icons and spiritual dimensions in the eyes of the viewer. In particular, white color symbolizes light and purity and black symbolizes mystery. Blue shows vividness and clarity, while red reveals the flame and warmth of mystery. Furthermore, yellow refers to Divine Glory and splendor and green to hope. Finally, the beams of divine light are symbolized with blue color. What the Cross held by the Saints symbolizes The Cross that the Saints hold in the icons symbolizes their martyrdom. It is not the manner of their sacrifice that matters, but their confession of faith in Jesus Christ. In some cases the icons depict the Saints holding the instruments that they were martyred with. In other cases the icons represent how the Saints were martyred. What the weapons and armour of the Saints symbolize in the icons In Byzantine iconography we often find weapons such as spears, shields and swords. These objects usually belong to martyrs who were soldiers and manifested their faith in Christianity. These martyrs are examples of dedicated people who have left behind their military duties to follow Christ. Thus, the arms and armor highlight this transition, reflecting their adherence (allegiance) to religion. What the scroll held by the Saints symbolizes The scroll represents the sacred wisdom of the Saints. It often appears in the hands of ascetics, writers, prophets and apostles, who were distinguished for their insight, prophecy and the transmission of divine knowledge to their fellow men. It appears that on the scroll there are recorded bywords (sayings) that were drawn from Saints’ teachings. What the open palm symbolizes The interpretation of the open palm varies depending on the icon that is depicted. In the case of the Saints, who were martyred for the Christian faith, the open hands symbolize their resistance to idolatry. In contrast, in the depiction of Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, the open palm shows the posture of supplication (deesis - prayer). What the staff (rod) symbolizes The rod symbolizes the Bishop's role as shepherd and guide of the faithful towards Jesus Christ. The design of the rod varies according to how it was used in the Saint's life. The episcopal rod may be topped by a cross mounted on a double handle, which is usually snake-shaped to symbolize the serpent lifted up by Moses in the desert. The rod may vary in appearance depending on the actual design used in the life of the saint. The T-shaped rod symbolizes the power held by the abbots of the monasteries or the role of the Saints, who were the guides and protectors of the people during their lifetime. However, this staff is also depicted on the hands of Saints who did not hold any office during their lives such as St. Xenia. Saint Xenia was homeless in Petersburg and spread the teaching through which she urged abstinence from carnal acts. In this case the T-shaped staff (rod) takes on a different meaning and symbolizes the earthly life of the Saint, giving a heavenly role in the life of the Church. What the Gospel held by the Saints symbolizes In Byzantine iconography, some Saints hold the Gospel, which symbolizes the psalms and teachings they were conveying to Christians during the Divine Liturgy. The Saints hold the Gospel with special respect and reverence, while their bare hands are covered with their sacred vestments and epitrachelions (stole), as the icons show. Furthermore, there are icons in which the Evangelists hold the Gospel open, on which are written the words they wrote and transmitted with their preaching to the faithful. What the churches or monasteries that the Saints hold symbolize There are two main reasons why Saints keep churches or monasteries in Byzantine iconography. On the one hand, it is because they were martyred for their faith. In fact, in many icons Saints are shown offering the temple to the Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, it is because many Saints were founders, benefactors or patrons of the Church in their own places and are honored for their contribution. What the church held by the Apostles Peter and Paul symbolizes The Apostles Peter and Paul, who celebrate together on June 29, are shown in an icon holding a church in their hands, symbolizing the hymnography of the Church. They emerge as pillars and ‘church builders’, having founded many church communities in the Mediterranean regions and the Holy Lands. Here you can find icons with Saint Peter and Paul. What the golden background of the icons symbolizes With the golden background on the holy icons, the three dimensions of space are removed, creating a spiritual environment. The bodies of the Saints have a light appearance, indicating a spiritual dimension. What the medical instruments held by the Saints symbolize The medicine box and medical tools reveal that the Saint in the icon belongs to the Holy Unmercenaries. Essentially, the Saints depicted with medical objects, treated the sick uncharitably, offered healing from serious illnesses and generally treated those in need, without asking for monetary compensation. What does the writing stylus symbolize in the icons of the Saints The writing quill indicates that the pictured Saint holding, was a writer or hymn writer during his life. What the icon held by the Saint symbolizes In many icons, the Saint is depicted holding an icon of a Saint with one hand. In particular, these depictions show either the defenders of icons or the spiritual father of the saint. This symbolizes the connection they had with each other. It is possible that there are many other items that have not been mentioned in this article. As can be seen, there are many reasons why the Saints are depicted holding their objects in the icons, but each reason individually is connected to our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our website you cano order the Byzantine Iconography you wish, by easily completing the Form for Custom Hand Painted Icons from Mount Athos. You can choose the theme of the hagiography, the type of the icon, the dimensions, the background, as well as the appearance of the wood. You can even upload your own photo based on which the handmade icon will be created. For any clarification you can send us an email at the email address [email protected].

Holy Belt - Holy Cincture of the Virgin Mary

Where is located the Holy Belt of Virgin Mary The Holy Belt or ‘Agia Zoni’ of Theotokos is the only heirloom that is preserved from her earthly life and a part of it is kept in the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos. According to the ecclesiastical tradition, Theotokos was resurrected and ascended into heaven three days after her Dormition. During her ascension, she entrusted the Holy Belt to the Apostle Thomas. Find here: icons with Apostle Thomas. What is the Holy Belt made of It is said that the Holy Belt was crafted by the Virgin Mary from camel hair. A few centuries later, Empress Zoe, wife of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886 - 912 AD), managed to survive after a miraculous cure. This event led her to embroider the Holy Belt with golden thread, demonstrating her boundless gratitude. The Holy Cincture, where the Belt of the Virgin is kept Initially, the Holy Belt was kept in Jerusalem by faithful christians. Later, it was transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Arcadius, who placed it in a reliquary called the 'Holy Cincture'. Find here: icons of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary How the Holy Belt was saved During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, pieces of the Holy Belt were stolen by the crusaders, yet few devout christians managed to conceal parts of it. After the reconquest of Constantinople in 1261 by Michael VIII Palaiologos, the fragment of the Holy Belt was placed in the Church of Panagia of Blachernae. Eventually, a piece of the Holy Belt was found in the possession of John VI Kantakouzenos (1347-1355), who donated it to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, due to his special devotion to the monastery. Up to this day, the Holy Belt remains at the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi. It is kept in a silver case, which depicts the monastery along with the donor Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos. Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary: when does it celebrate During the 12th century, at the reign of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, the Holy Belt of Theotokos was established to be honored on August 31. Find here: The Sacred and Grace-Bearing Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos Holy Cincture: miracles and hope for pregnant women The power of the Sacred Belt of Theotokos is great and miraculous. It preserves the grace of the Virgin Mary, sanctifies the faithful and frees them from sorrows and diseases. The Holy Belt has performed innumerable miracles, especially in cases of women who had difficulty conceiving children. A ribbon sanctified by the Agia Zoni helps women to have a good pregnancy. Find here: Wooden crosses with sacred ribbon in the Holy Belt

Saint Fanourios Cake (Fanouropita)

Ingredients:1 cup of orange juice1 cup of olive oil1 cup of sugar1 spoonful of cinnamon1 spoonful of clove2 teaspoons of baking powder1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda½ kilo of flour1 glass of waterOlive for the baking panSesame for the sprinkling (optional)White almonds (optional)Caster sugar (optional) Instructions:In a bowl, mix the orange juice, the oil, the sugar, the cinnamon, the clove, the bicarbonate soda, the baking powder, the flour and the water, until the mixture is smooth enough. Oil a baking pan with a brush and spread sesame on its surface. Pour the mixture in the baking pan and sprinkle it with sesame and as many almonds as you want. Bake it at 180 degrees for about 50 minutes. As soon as the cake is cold enough, cut it in 40 small pieces according to the tradition. Sprinkle it with caster sugar if you wish. Find here the cookbook: Traditional Recipies of Holy Mount Athos by Monk Nikitas Agioreitis

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

O angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from heaven, enlighten me this day, and save me from all evil. Instruct me in doing good deeds, and set me on the path of salvation. Amen. O angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended you every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the Evil One. May I never again anger God by my sins. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-Holy Trinity, and of the blessed Mother of God, and of all the saints. Amen.

Important Facts about Mount Athos - FAQ for Agion Oros - Questions and Answers

1. What country is Mount Athos in? Mount Athos or Agion Oros is located in Greece, specifically on the third peninsula of Halkidiki. 2. Where is Mount Athos? Where is Mount Athos monastery? Mount Athos monastic republic is located in Central Macedonia, Greece, at the third and easternmost part of the prefecture of Halkidiki. 3. How tall is Mount Athos? Mount Athos is located on the Athos Peninsula in Greece and has an elevation of 2,033 meters. 4. When was Mount Athos built? When was Mount Athos founded? How old is Mount Athos? The history of Mount Athos dates back to the 12th century. Notably, the first chapel at the summit of Mount Athos was founded in 965 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite. You can read more information about the history of Mount Athos and how it was founded in the article Mount Athos History. 5. How to visit Mount Athos? How to enter Mount Athos? To enter Mount Athos, the following procedure is required: 1.Contact the Pilgrims' Office 2.Reserve and issue a Residence Permit called “Diamonitirio” through the Pilgrims' Office 3.Collect the Diamonitirio on the day of your departure For detailed information and step by step guide on how to enter Mount Athos read the article How Can I Visit Mount Athos - The Process for Issuing a Residence Permit "Diamonitirio" from the Pilgrims Office 6. How to contact the Pilgrims' Office? There are two Pilgrims' Offices - one is located in Thessaloniki and the other in Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki. Contact Information of Pligrims’ Office in Thessaloniki: Phone: +30 2310 252575 (for Greek citizens), +30 2310 252578 (for foreign visitors). Address: 109 Egnatia Street, Postal Code 54635, Thessaloniki. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 14:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 12:00. Contact Information of Pligrims’ in Ouranoupoli: Phone: +30 23770 71421 Address: A few meters before the port. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 05:30 - 13:00, Saturday from 06:00 - 13:00 and Sunday from 08:00 - 13:00 Here you can find a catalog with the useful telephone numbers of Mount Athos - monasteries and services. 7. How to collect the Diamonitirio? From Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki: At the local office upon presentation of your ID or passport. From Ierissos, Halkidiki: For those departing from there to the eastern side of Mount Athos, via the local travel agent. 8. How much is the cost to enter Mount Athos? 25€ for Orthodox Christians 30€ for non-Orthodox visitors 10€ for specific groups (students, soldiers, people with disabilities) 9. Where to stay in Mount Athos? During your visit to Mount Athos, your accommodation will vary depending on the itinerary you choose to follow: 1. If you choose to ascent the summit of Mount Athos (Agion Oros), it is recommended that you spend the night at:-The Stavros location: small shelters accommodating 3–4 people- The Panagia Refuge, located at a higher altitude 2. If you wish to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Mount Athos and witness the monastic way of life up close, it is appropriate to stay at one of the twenty Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, depending on the availability. 10. Why is Mount Athos a holy place? Why is Mount Athos so important? What is Mount Athos known for? Mount Athos is an important place and is known for religious, historical, cultural, spiritual and natural reasons: 1. Religious reasons: Mount Athos is the largest and oldest center of Orthodox monasticism in the world. 2. Historical reasons: Mount Athos holds immense historical wealth, including priceless manuscripts, icons, relics, and monuments of Byzantine heritage. 3. Cultural reasons: Mount Athos has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988. 4. Spiritual reasons: The Holy Mount Athos is a place of prayer, tranquility, and ascetic life. 5. Enviromental reasons: The Athonite peninsula consists of a rich natural environment with arable land and dense forests that give us the gifts of nature, like honey, wine and olive oil of excellent quality. 11. What to do in Mount Athos? There are several things you can do on Mount Athos: 1. Visit and stay at the monasteries of Mount Athos and experience the everyday ascetic life of the monks. 2. Hike along the traditional mountain trails. 3. Climb to the summit of Mount Athos. 4. Experience prayer and tranquility, away from worldly life. 5. Before you enter Mount Athos, you can explore Ouranoupoli and the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki. Read the article: Useful information for hiking on Mount Athos 12. Can you climb Mount Athos? Yes, it is possible to reach the summit of Mount Athos, which dominates the Athos Peninsula in the region of Halkidiki and rises to an altitude of 2,033 meters. Climbing to the top is a truly unique experience. However, it is a particularly demanding route that requires experience, careful planning, appropriate equipment and the use of up-to-date maps. For detailed information about the hiking on Mount Athos read the article: Climbing on the Summit of Mount Athos - Useful Information 13. What will you need for the climb of Mount Athos? For the ascent to the summit of Mount Athos, you will need experience, good equipment, weather forecasting and a navigation map in printed form due to the lack of signal. Find here: Detailed Hiking Map of Mount Athos Read also: Paths Trails of Mount Athos - Hiking on Athos Peninsula 14. Can you visit Mount Athos? Can Catholics visit Mount Athos? Many people wonder if Catholics or men of other religions can visit Mount Athos. It is important to note that the Garden of Virgin Mary can be visited by all male: - Orthodox Christians - non-Orthodox Christians - followers of other religions (such as Catholics) - special groups of pilgrims, including students, university students, soldiers, people with disabilities - fathers of large families 15. Can women visit Mount Athos? Why is Mount Athos male only? According to the rule of cella, entry to Mount Athos is strictly permitted only to men. This prohibition has been in place for over a thousand years and is linked to the appearance of the Holy Virgin Mary on Mount Athos. Read the article: Miraculous Icon: Virgin Mary of Mount Athos 16. How is Mount Athos diet? What food monks eat on Mount Athos? The cuisine of Mount Athos is highly simple but delicious, and based on recipes beneficial to health. The Athonite diet relies primarily on vegetables, legumes, and the bounty of the sea that surrounds Mount Athos, while excluding meat throughout the entire year. Read also: Monastic Recipes 17. Mount Athos recipes Monastic recipes include: Vegetables, such as stuffed zucchini flowers, fried potato croquettes, etc. Legumes, like baked chickpeas, mount athos lentils with rice, etc. Fish, for example fresh cod, baked sea bass, etc. Mollusks and shellfish, such as crabs with tomato sauce and cuttlefish baked in oven (Plaki). 18. When does Mount Athos celebrate Christmas? Christmas on Mount Athos, in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, on Mount Sinai, and in other Orthodox Churches is celebrated according to the old calendar, that is, on January 7.