Holy monastery Dionysiou - Mount Athos
Starting from the monastery's arsana, and following a 500-meter uphill cobblestone path, we arrive at the central entrance of the Holy Monastery Dionysiou.
This monastic complex is situated on the southwestern side of Mount Athos, nestled between the monasteries of Saint Gregory and Saint Paul. In close proximity, you'll find the Aeropotamos stream, which flows into the monastery's small harbor.
The architecture here is a testament to bold ingenuity, perched atop a narrow and towering cliff that rises 80 meters above sea level.
This is why, in ancient texts, the monastery is often referred to as "Nea Petra" [New Stone]. T
he monastery's establishment dates back to the latter half of the 14th century, and it is commemorated with grand festivities on June 24th, in honor of the Nativity of Timios Prodromos.
Currently, the Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios holds the fifth position in the hierarchy of the 20 Athonite monasteries, with Archimandrite Geron Petros serving as its abbot.
Saint Dionysios was born in the village of Korysos, Kastoria, to pious peasant parents. At a tender age, he embarked on a journey to Mount Athos, specifically to the Monastery of Philotheou, where his brother, Theodosius, held the position of abbot.
After his ordination as a Presbyter, which occurred in the late 1360s, Dionysius relocated for spiritual practice with a select group of disciples to a mountain on the Athos Peninsula known as "Little Athos."
There, he constructed several cells and nurtured a vision of expanding this haven into a fully-fledged Orthodox monastery. Regrettably, the financial means to realize this ambitious endeavor eluded him.
In 1370, Theodosius ascended to the position of Metropolitan of Trebizond, and it was at this juncture that Monk Dionysius approached his brother, beseeching him to facilitate a meeting with Emperor Alexios III in Trebizond.
Remarkably, this meeting transpired, and Emperor Alexios III was profoundly impressed by Dionysius's virtuous character. Subsequently, he granted his generous financial support for the construction of the monastery, which was to be dedicated to the veneration of Saint John the Baptist.
Furthermore, Saint Dionysius secured an annual grant with the stipulation that the monastery would bear the official name of the illustrious imperial dynasty and be henceforth known as the "Monastery of the Great Komnenos."
These significant agreements were officially recorded in a golden bull, chrysobull, issued by Emperor Alexios III in 1375, an original document that remains preserved in the monastery to this day. It is safeguarded within an iron chest and displayed only on extraordinary occasions.
Saint Dionysius, after several years, revisited Trebizond with the purpose of seeking further aid from the emperor in light of the monastery's destruction caused by looting. However, he never returned to Mount Athos, as he fell gravely ill and eventually passed away there.
In 1389, Patriarch Anthony IV officially designated the monastery as "patriarchal," granting it autonomous status through a solemn proclamation.
This strategic move echoed the benevolent policies initiated by the Komnenos dynasty, policies that would persist under the Palaiologoi rulers.
Furthermore, during the Ottoman rule, several Moldovlachian leaders also upheld this tradition.
Tragedy struck in 1535 when a fierce conflagration ravaged the monastery, reducing its central cathedral, the katholikon, to ruins.
However, thanks to the assistance of Peter Rares, a prominent military leader known as a "Voivode" in Moldavia, a substantial portion of the monastery was painstakingly reconstructed.
Among the luminaries who graced the halls of the Monastery of Saint Dionysius, Saint Niphon stands out.
He served as the Patriarch of Constantinople and lived within the monastery's confines during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Saint Niphon demonstrated an unwavering commitment to expanding the monastery's architectural footprint and enriching its treasury with sacred relics and ceremonial vessels.
Subsequently, the revolution of 1821 cast a shadow over the Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysius, leading to its temporary abandonment.
The architectural design of the Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysius sets it apart from other monastic complexes on Mount Athos, primarily due to its constrained footprint.
Here, one immediately notices the absence of the expansive central courtyard and the lack of a ceremonial holy water vessel, the so-called Phiale.
The monastery's main church, known as the Katholikon, is dedicated to the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist and traces its origins back to 1375, although it underwent significant renovations following a major fire in 1535.
In 1547, it was adorned by the Cretan iconographer Tzortis, following the architectural style of the Byzantine Athonite tradition, reminiscent of the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra.
The exquisite 18th-century wood-carved iconostasis is entirely gilded with pure gold.
Adjacent to the Katholikon, the Refectory forms a T-shaped structure and was constructed in the 16th century. Remarkably, frescoes dating back to 1603, crafted by the painters Daniel and Mercurius, still adorn its walls.
A covered portico connects the Katholikon to the Refectory, featuring striking frescoes depicting scenes from the Book of Revelation by John.
Such prophetic artworks are also found in other monasteries across Mount Athos, contributing to the prominence of Revelation as an iconographic theme in Orthodox art.
In 1520, a towering structure, reaching a height of 25 meters, was added to the monastery's compound. Within the monastery's enclosure, one can find a total of seven chapels, with an additional six located outside the monastery's walls.
Adjacent to the left side of the Katholikon stands the chapel of the Virgin Mary, known as "Akathistos," housing an equally venerable miraculous icon bearing the same name.
Within the sacred confines of the Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios, a treasury of priceless relics and artifacts is meticulously preserved.
Among these cherished items, one can discover an ivory relief plate, adorned with exquisite scenes depicting the crucifixion of our Lord.
Additionally, the collection boasts the Cross of Helen Palaiologina, along with exquisite reliquaries, ornate gold-plated vessels, encolpia, and a remarkable assortment of Gospels.
Notably, a liturgical Gospel dating back to the year 1201, featuring an intricately decorated enamel binding, stands as a testament to the monastery's rich heritage.
Among the monastery's most precious possessions are the revered relics of numerous saints.
These include the right hand of Saint John the Baptist, the right hand of Saint John the Merciful, the reliquary of Saint Peter of Alexandria, and the reliquary of Saint Thomaidos, as well as fragments of the relics of saints such as Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Efthymios the Iberian, Polydoros the Cypriot, and others.
Furthermore, the holy remains of Saint Niphon, who found eternal rest within these monastery walls, are enshrined in a luxurious case, emitting a divine fragrance that envelops this sacred place.
One of the most ancient icons in the Orthodox faith, and the oldest on Mount Athos, is the miraculous icon known as the "Akathistos" or "Myrovlitissa."
This venerable icon, crafted from wax mastic, has intermittently exuded myrrh, making it inconspicuous over time.
According to tradition, Patriarch Sergius safeguarded this icon during the siege of Constantinople by the Avars and Slavs. Additionally, the wonder-working icon of St. John the Baptist, which miraculously survived the devastating fire of 1535, is carefully preserved here.
The library at the Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysius stands as one of Mount Athos' most significant repositories, boasting a vast collection of invaluable manuscripts and ancient printed works.
It is equally renowned for the quality of its contents, as well as its meticulous preservation and maintenance.
Many of the priceless manuscripts currently housed in the monastery's library predate its establishment and were acquired through generous donations in subsequent centuries. Presently, the Monastery of Saint Dionysius holds approximately 1,100 manuscript codices, with the majority composed in Greek, along with six manuscripts in Slavonic.
Among these treasures, one can find 27 scrolls. The compilation of original texts, antiquities, and pre-1899 printed materials amounts to roughly 3,800 items.
The rarity and significance of the materials within this comparatively small collection firmly establish it as one of the most esteemed libraries on Mount Athos.
