Situated between the expansive Major Skete of Saint Anne and the secluded region of Karoulia, the Minor Skete of Saint Anne carves its presence into a steep, rocky mountainside.
Its foundation was laid in the 17th century by a small group of monks seeking solitude and spiritual growth, marking a pivotal period in the history of Mount Athos.
Although smaller in size, the Minor Skete of Saint Anne comprises seven kalyvae (hermitage huts), each exhibiting a unique blend of simplicity and functionality, shaped by the rugged terrain and the ascetic lifestyle of its inhabitants.
These residences are dotted across the steep slope, transforming it into a living testament to the monks' devotion and resilience.
In this tranquil setting, the monks have devoted their lives to spiritual practices and honing their artistic skills. Many engage in hagiography, the study and writing of the lives of saints, while others are involved in creating exquisite miniature art and wood carvings.
Of particular note are the hagiographic contributions of monks Ananias and Kartsonas, whose works stand as significant symbols of religious art within the Mount Athos community.
Adding an air of reverence and historical significance to the vicinity of the skete, there lies a cave nearby which once served as a dwelling for the saintly hermits Dionisius the Orator and Metrophanes.
These early hermits marked the beginning of a hermitic tradition in the area, their lives serving as an inspiration for the monks inhabiting the skete today.
The huts of the Skete of Little St. Anna
The huts of the Skete of Little St. Anna are named in honor of the Saints and events of the Christian tradition. Their names, from the top of the skete to the bottom, are as follows:
- Dormition of the Theotokos
- Resurrection of Christ and the Saints Fathers Onouphrios and Peter
- Beheading of the Holy Forerunner
- Holy Archangels
- Dormition of the Theotokos and the Saints Fathers, Dionysius the Rhetorician and Mitrophanus
- The Palpation of Thomas
- Nativity of the Holy Forerunner
These huts are simple and austere buildings that reflect the ascetic lifestyle of the monks who inhabit them. However, they are filled with spiritual energy and are important monuments of monastic life on Mount Athos.
Overall, the Minor Skete of Saint Anne embodies the spirit of monastic life on Mount Athos, providing a unique insight into the austere, yet fulfilling lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Elder Joseph the Hesychast, known for his profound spirituality, established his cell within the Minor Skete of Saint Anne on Mount Athos. His teachings on prayer and inner stillness, particularly the practice of Hesychasm, deeply influenced the monastic community.
Within his humble cell, Elder Joseph dedicated himself to prayer and guiding others on their spiritual paths, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire seekers of truth within Mount Athos.
