Esfigmenou Holy Monastery - Mount Athos

Sailing away from the harbor of Ierissos, the first coastal monastery we encounter is the Monastery of Esphigmenou, located immediately after the arsana of the Hilandar Monastery.

It proudly stands on the rugged northeastern flank of Mount Athos, nestled within a serene coastal enclave where even its foundations are gently caressed by the waves.

This idyllic sanctuary finds itself embraced by two lushly forested mountains, as if cradled by nature itself, perhaps giving rise to its name "Esphigmenos," which means "clamped."

The architectural ensemble of the Esphigmenou Monastery is nothing short of majestic, boasting a commanding rectangular design that exudes an almost fortress-like quality.

Historically, it was established in the early 11th century, with a significant celebration held on the Ascension of the Lord, precisely 40 days following Easter.

Notably, the Monastery of Esphigmenou is the only institution among Mount Athos' twenty monasteries that adheres to the Old Calendar, holding the hierarchical rank of 18th place, positioned just after the Holy Monastery of Saint Gregory.

Since the year 1797, it has steadfastly adhered to a coenobitic system, operating under the sigil of Patriarch Gregory V.

According to tradition, the establishment of the Esphigmenou Monastery dates back to the 5th century BCE, positioned 500 meters to the west of its present location.

It was founded by Pulcheria and her brother, Emperor Theodosius II. However, there is a legend that a rock detached from the mountain and wreaked havoc upon the monastery, a hypothesis supported by the remnants still preserved in close proximity to the monastic site.

Historically, the foundation of the monastery is more accurately attributed to the late 10th and early 11th centuries, as evidenced by references to its name in Athonite manuscripts.

The first documented reference to the monastery appears in the records of Vatopedi Monastery in 998, where it is identified as "Esphagmenou" and signed by Abbot Theodore.

Another written mention of the monastery is found in the second Typikon of Mount Athos in 1045, known as the "Typikon of Constantine the Monomachos."

This document reveals that, during that period, the Esphigmenou Monastery held the fifth position in the hierarchical order of Mount Athos monastic communities.

Due to its coastal location, the monastery faced constant challenges from pirate raids, looting, and fires.

However, with divine intervention, it consistently overcame these adversities.

The monastery also experienced periods of prosperity, receiving financial support from Byzantine emperors like Michael VIII Palaiologos and John V Palaiologos, as well as from leaders of Orthodox regions.

In the 14th century, the monastery became home to prominent figures of Orthodoxy, such as Saint Gregory Palamas, who served as its abbot in 1335.

Another significant event for the Esphigmenou Monastery was the residence of Saint Athanasios, the Patriarch of Constantinople.

The fall of Constantinople and the era of Ottoman rule brought challenging times for the monastery, as was the case for all monastic communities on Mount Athos.

The Orthodox Russia, particularly under the reign of Tsar Alexios, came to the aid of the monastery. In 1665, the monks of the Esphigmenou Monastery were permitted to conduct fundraising missions in Russia every five years.

In 1821, the Esphigmenou Monastery played a prominent role in the Halkidiki revolution, with Emmanuel Pappas as its leader.

In February 1821, Emmanuel Pappas arrived at Mount Athos to orchestrate the rebellion in Macedonia. Initially, he visited the Monastery of Great Lavra and later the Monastery of Iviron.

Ultimately, the Monastery of Esphigmenou was chosen as the operational hub. This decision was based on the strategic location of the monastery, situated at the neck of the Athonite Peninsula, and because Emmanuel Pappas had a close friendship with the then abbot, Euthymios.

Regrettably, the endeavor met an unfortunate end, as the Turkish forces quelled the revolution, leading to Turkish troops occupying the monastery and the rest of Mount Athos for an entire decade.

The sacred grounds of the monastery endured desecration and brutality at the hands of the conquerors. 

The resurgence of the Esphigmenou Monastery came about through the efforts of Agathaggelos Kallipolitis, who served as its abbot for nearly 40 years (1832-1871) and oversaw a substantial renovation program.

Today, the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou stands as an exceptional institution within the context of Athonite traditions.

The monastery's brotherhood does not acknowledge the spiritual authority of the patriarchate, a stance established since 1965 when Patriarch Athenagoras consented to the mutual lifting of anathemas between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

In fact, since 1974, the monastery has refrained from sending a representative to the Holy Monastic Community of Mount Athos and does not include the Patriarch in its liturgical services.

Presently, it is believed that the monastic community occupies the complex of buildings at the Monastery of Esphigmenou, despite pending court decisions mandating their expulsion.

In 2002, the Ecumenical Patriarchate opted to recognize and establish a new brotherhood, which now resides in the Esphigmenou Konaki, Karyes.

The present-day Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou is dedicated to the Ascension of our Lord.

Its construction was initiated by Abbot Theodoretos in 1808, and it was officially inaugurated by Patriarch Gregory V in 1811.

This Katholikon replaced the Byzantine Athonite-style Katholikon dating back to the 14th century, which had deteriorated over time.

The new Katholikon stands as a masterpiece of architecture designed by the Tinian architect Pavlos, using marble components imported from Tinos.

It boasts a central dome along with eight smaller domes. The interior was adorned by Galician iconographers in three phases, spanning the years 1811, 1818, and 1841.

Notably, the intricately carved wooden iconostasis is considered one of the most exceptional post-Byzantine iconostases on Mount Athos, featuring depictions from the Old Testament.

The refectory was established in 1810 with a rectangular floor plan, accommodating up to 100 individuals.

Regrettably, during the tumultuous events of the 1821 revolution, it was repurposed as a military encampment by the Turks, resulting in significant damage.

The previous Phiale was dismantled, and in 1815, the current one was constructed under the guidance of Abbot Euthymios, adorned with exquisite sculptural decorations.

Within the precincts of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou, a total of ten chapels can be found, two of which are adjacent to the Katholikon. Additionally, five more chapels are located outside the monastery grounds.

In the sacred vaults of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou, a treasure trove of invaluable artifacts is carefully preserved.

Among these treasures are fragments of the Holy Cross, opulent vestments from various epochs, sacred vessels, crosses, chalices, and more.

Noteworthy among the monastery's prized possessions is a cross graciously bestowed by Queen Pulcheria, resplendent with pearls and adorned with three magnificent emeralds.

Equally steeped in history is a precious relic – a segment of Napoleon Bonaparte's golden-embroidered war tent from Egypt, which, following a long and storied journey, found its resting place within these hallowed walls.

The remainder of this historic tent now resides in the Louvre Museum, as the French persistently lay claim to this exceptional heirloom held by the Monastery of Esphigmenou.

Additionally, this sanctified sanctuary houses the historic banner that bore witness to the 1821 revolution led by Emmanuel Pappas.

Visitors to the Monastery of Esphigmenou are granted the rare privilege of venerating the Holy Relics of numerous saints, including the relics of the martyr Saint Agathangelos and Saint Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, the left hand of Saint Marina, a fragment of the Holy Relic of Saint Gregory Palamas, the left foot of Mary Magdalene, and a myriad of others.

In the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou, you will discover a collection of portable icons spanning various historical periods, with the majority of them housed within the monastery's Katholikon for religious purposes.

Among the notable icons in the monastery are the Virgin Mary, also known as "Eleousa," and an icon depicting Christ Pantocrator.

These sacred artworks are prominently displayed on the two Western marble columns within the Katholikon, providing structural support to the central dome.

They are adorned with silver plating and were both masterfully crafted by the hand of Ioannis Maximus in the year 1673.

Another remarkable piece of art within the monastery's collection is a precious small mosaic icon of Christ, originating from the 13th century.

This portrayal of Jesus depicts Him in full stature, standing upright, His right hand extended in blessing, while His left hand holds a Gospel.

Encased in a silver frame and adorned with gilt mosaics, this icon is further embellished with depictions of the Apostles. Notably, both the upper and lower sections of the icon feature two compartments containing unidentified Holy Relics.

Additionally, there is the story of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, known as "Arsaniotissa." T

his icon is associated with a remarkable event when the arsana port of the monastery was devastated by a landslide one December evening in 1892.

A monk, responsible for the fishing duties, was asleep beneath the icon and miraculously emerged unharmed from the rocks that engulfed the area.

He was discovered safe and sound, resting beside the miraculous icon.

The library of the Monastery of Esphigmenou houses an impressive collection of 372 handwritten manuscripts, with 75 of them crafted on parchment, dating from the 10th to the 14th century.

Among these treasures is a palimpsest codex containing a 14th-century Gospel. Perhaps the most exceptional manuscript within the collection is Manuscript Number 14, which dates back to the 11th century.

It contains 80 miniatures and eight larger representations depicting the Nativity of Jesus. Equally significant is Manuscript Number 3, written in the 12th century, containing the "Manual of Epictetus." This text is the oldest among the 65 codices globally that preserve this valuable content.

Of notable historical interest is the precious Chrysobulus of the Serbian Emperor George Vragovich, also known as the Chrysobullus of "Maro," his wife. Dated to the year 1428, this document depicts the entire Vragovich family and specifies an annual grant for the monastery.

Within the area where the manuscripts are preserved, you will also find approximately 2,000 printed books.

An additional 7,000 printed books are housed in another section of the monastery's archives. Remarkably, the first Greek edition identified by Thomas Papadopoulos in the Monastery of Esphigmenou among the "Libraries of Mount Athos" is the "Dictionary of Favourinus," which was printed in Rome in the year 1523.

This ancient publication is exceedingly rare and can also be found in the libraries of seven other monasteries on Mount Athos.

Fax : 0030 23770 23653

Telephone : 0030 23770 23229

Website : www.esphigmenou.gr