Xenophontos Monastery
Ăgion Ăros
Xenophontos Monastery, located on the southwestern coast of the Mount Athos peninsula, is dedicated to Saint George the Trophy-bearer. According to tradition, it was founded before 998 AD by Saint Xenophon the Senator, after whom the monastery is named. The monastery evolved around a small earlier hermitage dedicated to Saint Demetrius, with a preserved chapel attributed to its founder. Throughout its history, Xenophontos received patronage from Byzantine emperors, reaching its peak in the 14th century with architectural expansions and rich frescoes. Despite periods of decline due to pirate raids and Ottoman taxation, the monastery was revitalized in the late 18th century under the spiritual leadership of Hieromonk Paisios Kavsokalyvitis, who restored its communal life and oversaw the construction of a new katholikon completed in 1839, the largest on Mount Athos. Today, the monastery is part of the autonomous monastic community of Mount Athos, home to about 2,000 monks living an ascetic life. It preserves valuable Byzantine art, manuscripts, and ecclesiastical furniture crafted in its own carpentry workshop. The monastery remains a vibrant spiritual center, reflecting centuries of Orthodox monastic tradition and Byzantine heritage.
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Astuce: Visitors must obtain a special permit (diamonitirion) to enter Mount Athos, as access is restricted to men only. The best time to visit is during late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are favorable. It is recommended to arrange visits and accommodations well in advance due to limited access and monastic hospitality. While visiting, respect the monastic customs and dress codes. Discounts or special conditions may be available for pilgrims and religious groups upon request.
Faits intéressants
- âąXenophontos Monastery houses the largest katholikon on Mount Athos, completed in 1839.
- âąThe monastery was originally founded around a chapel built by Saint Xenophon the Senator before 998 AD.
- âąIt has a dedicated carpentry workshop producing ecclesiastical furniture and hand-carved woodworks.
- âąThe monastic community of Mount Athos, including Xenophontos, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
- âąWomen are strictly forbidden from entering Mount Athos, including Xenophontos Monastery, due to religious tradition.
Histoire
Xenophontos Monastery was established before the year 998 AD, founded by Saint Xenophon the Senator, who built the original katholikon in honor of Saint George.
It gained imperial support during the Byzantine era and flourished in the 14th century.
The monastery endured hardships during the Ottoman period, including pirate attacks and heavy taxation, leading to decline.
In 1784, it returned to communal monastic life and experienced a renaissance under Hieromonk Paisios Kavsokalyvitis, who expanded its buildings and constructed a new katholikon between 1819 and 1839, marking the monastery's greatest architectural achievement.
Guide du lieu
The Katholikon of Saint George1819-1839
The main church of the monastery, dedicated to Saint George, originally built before 998 and rebuilt in the 19th century. It is the largest katholikon on Mount Athos, featuring rich Byzantine frescoes and architectural details reflecting the monastery's historical significance.
Monastic Carpentry Workshop
A traditional workshop producing ecclesiastical furniture, offices, and hand-carved wooden icons and furnishings used within the monastery and beyond. It represents the monastery's dedication to craftsmanship and preservation of Orthodox artistic traditions.
Contact
Téléphone: 2377 023249