Holy Monastery Hilandar - Mount Athos

Located some distance from the coastline and deep within the northeastern sector of the Athonite peninsula, you will find the historic Orthodox Monastery of Hilandar.

This venerable institution is one of the twenty monasteries of Mount Athos, holding the 4th position in the esteemed hierarchy of Athonite monasteries.

Architecturally, Hilandar impresses with its design reminiscent of a medieval castle, structured as a vast irregular polygon. Its unique geographical positioning grants it the distinction of being the only monastery with two harbors — one facing the Thracian Sea and the other overlooking the southern waters.

The central church or "Katholikon" of the monastery pays homage to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, an event solemnly celebrated every 21st of November.

Moreover, Hilandar holds a special place as the sole Serbian Orthodox monastery within the Athonite monastic enclave. It serves as a beacon of spirituality, education, and Orthodoxy for the Serbian community. Leading this spiritual bastion since 2010 is Abbot Methodius of Hilandar.

The Hilandar Monastery traces its origins back to the 10th century, founded by the Greek Athonite monk, George Hilandar. The monastery's name is believed to be derived from him.

The establishment of the monastery, as we recognize it today, took shape towards the end of the 12th century AD. During this period, Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and his son Ratko embraced monastic life at the Vatopedi Monastery, adopting the monastic names "Simeon" and "Sava," respectively.

In time, the Vatopedi Monastery gifted these two monks a humble cell within the then-deserted Hilandar premises. Gradually, Hilandar grew and began to be predominantly occupied by Serbian monks. In 1198, Emperor Alexios III generously presented the Hilandar Monastery to the Serbs as a "perpetual gift," sealing this gesture with a golden decree known as a chrysobull.

Not long after, Monk Sava ascended to the position of Archbishop of Serbia, ensuring that the Hilandar Monastery would thenceforth resonate as the spiritual heart of Orthodoxy for the Serbian populace. Both Simeon and Sava later earned sainthood in the eyes of the Serbian Church.

Throughout the centuries, the monastery underwent expansions, renovations, and the integration of more cells and annexes. From the mid-13th century, it flourished greatly, amassing a wealth of relics, thanks to the generous contributions from private benefactors and emperors.

Several Serbian leaders, including Stefan Dusan and King Stefan Milutin, championed and provided substantial financial backing to the Hilandar Monastery. However, the 18th century brought with it a period of decline and neglect, exacerbated by catastrophic fires in 1722 and 1891.

The monastery's revival can be credited to King Alexander Obrenović, who not only infused it with necessary funds but also rejuvenated its monastic community with Serbian monks.

The Hilandar Monastery stands as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship and spiritual alliance between the Serbian and Greek nations. The Serbs played a pivotal role in Mount Athos's incorporation into Greece during the Macedonian liberation period.

Furthermore, the Serbs staunchly supported Greece during World War II against its oppressors. These bonds of kinship and mutual respect persist to this day. Notably, the Serbs extended a helping hand to the monastery following the devastating fires of 2004 and 2012.

The Katholikon of the Hilandar Monastery is dedicated to the Presentation of the Theotokos and was constructed in its present form in 1293.

Originally adorned with frescoes in the 14th century, the Katholikon unfortunately underwent repainting in the 19th century, resulting in the destruction of a significant portion of the exceptional frescoes from the Macedonian School. Inside the Katholikon lies the original tomb of Saint Simeon, who passed away in the monastery on February 13, 1199.

The monastery's refectory was embellished with frescoes by the Serbian iconographer monk George Mitrofanovich in 1623.

Additionally, the Phiale - a distinctive architectural feature often associated with fountains or ceremonial basins - was constructed in 1784 within the monastery's surroundings and later painted in 1847 by Hieromonk Makarios of Galatista.

Within the monastery's grounds, there are 11 chapels. Of particular note is the chapel dedicated to the Holy Archangels, built in the mid-14th century. Just beyond the monastery's boundaries, two more chapels stand—one for Saint Tryphon and the other celebrating the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

At the Monastery of Hilandar, there exists an extensive collection of revered and invaluable relics. Among them are two intricately carved crosses embedded with fragments of genuine wood and adorned with precious stones.

The collection also holds fragments of Christ's crown of thorns, the reed, and his burial shroud. A notable item is the ivory cup that once belonged to ruler Dushan, as well as numerous embroidered vestments and fine textiles.

The silver urn of Saint Simeon is a centerpiece, especially notable as a vine miraculously sprouted from his otherwise empty tomb. Tradition holds that the branches of this vine bestow blessings upon childless couples.

Within the monastery's trove of inestimable treasures, one can find relics of various saints: the right hand of Saint Nikephoros, the right foot of Saint Panteleimon, and a fragment of the skull of the prophet Isaiah.

Housed in the same wing of the Hilandari Monastery, you'll find a treasured collection of icons alongside the library. This monastery boasts a rich collection of portable icons, with several believed to have miraculous properties, all dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

A standout is the renowned "Tricherousa" [Three-Handed] icon of the Virgin Mary, prominently displayed in the monastery's main chapel.

Other notable icons include the mosaic depiction of Our Lady "Odigitria" [The Guide], Our Lady "Akathist" [of the Akathist Hymn], Our Lady "Papadiki" [The Priestly], Our Lady "Galaktoforousa" [The Milk-Feeding], and Our Lady "Disciplining the Ecclesiarch."

The monastery's library houses an impressive collection of original Slavic and Greek manuscripts.Furthermore, it contains numerous Slavic and Greek parchment documents, as well as a wealth of printed books.

Complementing the library's collection are parchment scrolls, seals, and golden bulls, also known as chrysobulls.

The Hilandar’s continued existence is crucial for safeguarding and maintaining its immense cultural heritage.

However, in March 2004, a devastating fire struck Mount Athos, inflicting damage on 55% of the monastery's structures. Since then, dedicated efforts have been initiated to restore the monastery and mend the damages.

The monastery's sustainability is bolstered by activities like beekeeping and winemaking, culminating in the production of exceptional monastic goods such as Mount Athos wine and honey.

The Hilandar Monastery boasts a rich winemaking tradition, documented as far back as 1198. Its vineyards sprawl from the slopes of Mount Athos, reaching the renowned Tower of King Milutin.

The monastery's contemporary winery resides in buildings near the northern arsanas, with architecture hailing from the 18th century.

Fax : 0030 23770 23108

Telephone : 0030 23770 23797

Website : www.hilandar.org

E -mail : [email protected]