Holy Monastery Vatopedi - Mount Athos

A place of peace and spirituality

Embarking on a spiritual journey from Ierissos by boat, pilgrims find themselves at the divine location of the Vatopedi Monastery.

Nestled by the sea and flanked by the monasteries of Esfigmenos and Pantokratoros, the Vatopedi Monastery is a beacon of Christian Orthodoxy and stands as one of the most sacred monasteries in both Mount Athos and Greece.

Holding a distinguished second place in the Athonite monastery hierarchy since the 11th century, right after the revered monastery of Great Lavra, its Orthodox monastic heritage dates back to around 980 AD.

Celebrating its patronal feast, panigiri, on March 25th in honor of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the monastery has always been a center of pilgrimage.

Overseeing the sketes of Agios Dimitrios and Agios Andreas, it currently nurtures a monastic community of about 180 holy fathers.

Vatopedi has been the spiritual birthplace for numerous saints in the church, including the eminent St. Gregory Palamas, a towering figure of the Orthodox Church. Since 1990, Archimandrite Elder Ephraim (Koutsou) has been shepherding this revered monastery.

The Orthodox tradition recounts a miraculous event in the 4th century AD when Prince Arcadius, son of Theodosius the Great, was shipwrecked near the Mount Athos coast. Miraculously saved by divine intervention, he was discovered unharmed, nestled beside a bush at the site of today's Vatopedi Monastery.

This divine episode made many believe that the name "Vatopedi" has roots in the Greek words for "bush" (βάτος) and "child" (παιδίον). Another interpretation is that the name stems from "bush" and "plain" (πεδίον), reflecting the monastery's surrounding expanse. Therefore, monastery’s name is sometimes seen with dual spellings: 'Vatopaidi' and 'Vatopedi'.

In a gesture of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the miraculous preservation of his son, Theodosius the Great is believed to have restored a dilapidated church on the site, affirming the area's sacred significance. Records indicate that a monastery existed there until the early 10th century.

The official establishment of the Vatopedi Monastery is traced back to around 980 AD. It's credited to three nobles from Hadrianople: Athanasios, Nikolaos, Antonios. Drawn to the monastic life and the spiritual heritage of Mount Athos, they sought guidance from Saint Athanasios the Athonite, the founder of the monastery of Great Lavra.

Directed to Vatopedi, they revitalized the ancient, sacred grounds, amalgamating pre-existing cells, and laying the foundation for the present-day sanctuary.

The 11th century witnessed Vatopedi's spiritual and architectural blossoming under the protective wing of the Komnenos dynasty emperors. By the late 12th century, the divine calling led monks Simeon and Sava to form the modern-day Hilandar Monastery, springing forth from a Vatopedi cell.

However, the monastery's journey wasn't without hardships. A particularly dark period occurred during the tenure of John XI Bekkos, the patriarch of Constantinople.

Bekkos was the chief Greek advocate for the reunion of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. It is believed that around 1280, he ordered a devastating unionist assault on Mount Athos.

As a result, 12 monastery fathers were reportedly executed, and Abbot Efthymios was drowned. Following this, the monastery faced further suffering from raiding Catalans.

Under Ottoman rule, the monastery was burdened with excessive taxes, compelling the monks to sell many properties.

During this period, Vatopedi transitioned from cenobitic monasticism, which emphasizes the community life of monks, to the idiorrhythmic mode, where monks live more independently. Yet, the enduring spirit of the Vatopedi Monastery remains evident.

The 18th century marked a renaissance for the monastery. With the backing of patriarchs, generous philanthropists, and regional leaders, it experienced a revival.

In 1749, the crowning achievement came with the inauguration of the Athoniada Ecclesiastical Academy, a prestigious religious educational institution of Mount Athos, right within the walls of the Vatopedi Monastery.

The central church, or “Katholikon”, of the Vatopedi Monastery, constructed around 1000 AD, is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Its rich tapestry of frescoes, layered over time, showcases multiple periods of repainting.

These historical and artistic layers harmoniously intermingle, combining older fragments from past centuries with more recent additions from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The earliest frescoes are believed to hail from the latter half of the 12th century. Notably, some frescoes from 1312 are credited to the esteemed painter, Manuel Panselinos.

Observing these artworks provides a visual timeline of the shifting artistic sensibilities on Mount Athos. Unique to the Katholikon are three wall mosaics from the 11th and 14th centuries—the only such mosaics on Mount Athos.

The Vatopedi Monastery's refectory, or "Trapeza," echoes the design of the Great Lavra's refectory with its cruciform architecture.

The eight-columned fountain, known as the "Phiale," underwent renovations in 1810 and received further adornments in 1842, thanks to funding from Metropolitan Iakovos of Serres. Situated to the right of the Katholikon entrance, the Phiale continues to serve in the blessing of the water.

Numerous chapels dot the monastery's grounds both inside and out. Nested within the Katholikon are chapels honoring St. Nicholas, St. Demetrius, Our Lady of Consolation (Panagia Paramythia), the Archangels, and the Holy Trinity.

The courtyard is graced by the chapels of the Holy Belt and the Holy Unmercenaries. Additionally, in 1427, a commanding 35-meter tall bell tower was constructed, which now houses eight bells.

The Holy Monastery of Vatopedi is home to some of the most venerated relics in Orthodoxy. Perhaps its most precious is the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, a gracious gift from the Serbian ruler Lazaros.

This relic holds profound significance as the only tangible remnant from the Virgin Mary's earthly life. It is believed, according to tradition, that the Holy Belt has the power to heal ailments ranging from infertility to cancer.

Preserved within the monastery are the “Ninia” (translated as "little children") of Empress Theodora. These are two esteemed icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary, cherished by Theodora, particularly during the final moments of her iconoclast husband's life.

Among the treasures of the monastery stands the Jasper Cup, a stunning example of Byzantine goldsmithing. Additionally, the monastery holds fragments of the Holy Cross and a piece of the reed believed to have offered Christ the vinegar-soaked sponge.

Visitors are invited to venerate the sacred relic of Saint Eudokimos of Vatopedi, as well as relics of other revered saints: Saint Gregory the Theologian, Modestus of Jerusalem, and John Chrysostom. Notably, Saint John Chrysostom is venerated for his miraculously preserved left ear.

The Holy Monastery of Vatopedi houses over 2,000 portable icons, many safeguarded within its Icon Repository. Of these, seven hold special reverence as miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, each accompanied by tales of its history and attributed miracles.

Within the central church, the Katholikon, visitors can behold the icons of Our Lady Esphagmeni (The Stabbed), Our Lady Antiphonitria (The Responder), Our Lady Pantanassa (Queen of All), and Our Lady Paramythia (The Consoler). The latter resides in a namesake chapel within the Katholikon.

Other significant icons include Our Lady Pyrovolithisa (The Firearmed), Our Lady Eleousa (The Oil-bringer), and Our Lady Vematarissa (Altar-dweller) or Ktitorissa (The Founder), with the final icon gracing the Holy Altar area.

The Vatopedi Monastery's library, nestled within its defensive tower, safeguards a wealth of historical documents. Among its treasures are valuable 14th-century records, including imperial edicts known as chrysobula, wax-sealed decrees, and patriarchal sigils.

A notable portion of Mount Athos's musical manuscripts also finds its home here. In total, the library boasts roughly 2,000 manuscripts; 625 written on parchment, 25 as ancient scrolls, and an impressive 40,000 printed volumes.

A highlight of the collection is an 11th-century manuscript, "Geography", penned by the renowned Greek astronomer, Ptolemy.

For centuries, the monks of the Vatopedi Monastery have cultivated the Athonite land to provide essential goods for the worship and liturgical needs of their sanctuary.

The climate surrounding the monastery is perfectly suited for the organic farming of crops such as wheat, olive trees, grapevines, herbs, and more.

The monastery's historic olive grove, paired with their modern certified olive press, yields olive oil of exceptional quality from Mount Athos. Wine holds a traditional significance in the life of Mount Athos.

Beyond its daily role in the Divine Liturgy, it is also graciously offered to the many visitors of the monasteries. Spanning 70 acres, the vineyards of Vatopedi Monastery produce a Mount Athos wine of unparalleled quality. Beyond these, the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi is a hub for a myriad of other monastic products, resulting from endeavors like beekeeping, herb drying, and various handicrafts.

Fax : 0030 23778 88082

Telephone : 0030 23778 88088

Website : www.vatopedi.gr

E -mail : [email protected]

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Embraced by verdant landscapes, amidst rocks and pine trees, stands the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi. A tranquil oasis, far from the world's clamor, where monks lead a simple and austere life, dedicated to prayer and study. The monastery's katholikon (main church) is an imposing structure, adorned with exquisite Byzantine frescoes. The Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, one of the most treasured relics of Mount Athos, is safeguarded here with reverence. The Holy Monastery of Vatopedi is a sanctuary of mystery and spirituality. A place where time seems to have ceased, and the soul can find solace and tranquility. A monastery that stands for centuries, preserving the ideals of Christianity.