Karakallou Holy Monastery - Mount Athos

On the eastern slope of the Athos Peninsula, at an elevation of 200 meters above sea level, stands one of Mount Athos' most ancient monasteries: the Holy Monastery of Karakallou.

Nestled between the monastic communities of Great Lavra and Iviron, it's just a half-hour walk from Philotheou Monastery.

In terms of hierarchy, it holds the 11th position among Mount Athos' 20 monasteries, following Docheiariou Monastery, with its roots tracing back to the early 11th century.

The Holy Monastery of Karakallou celebrates its patronal feast day on June 29th, commemorating the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Since 1813, it has followed a coenobitic way of life, under the aegis of Patriarch Cyril VI, and has been led by Archimandrite Philotheos since 1982.

Within the Holy Monastery of Karakallou, you'll find 14 cells scattered throughout the forest, along with an additional 4 cells in Karyes.

We have limited documented information about the precise founding date of the Holy Monastery of Karakallou and the individuals who played a role in its establishment.

However, its existence is firmly established in the early 11th century, as it is initially mentioned in a document from 1018 that remains preserved within the library of the Monastery of Great Lavra.

The origin of the monastery's name remains shrouded in mystery, despite various theories proposed by scholars.

According to the prevailing account, the name is attributed to a monk named Nikolaos Karakallos, who resided in the monastery during the era of Romanos IV Diogenes in the 11th century and initiated the creation of an initial monastic community in the region.

The history of the Holy Monastery of Karakallou shares many parallels with its fellow monastic institutions on Mount Athos.

In its formative centuries, it thrived, only to be disrupted by the events of the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and the subsequent Latin occupation.

Further exacerbating its decline were the harsh persecutions enacted by Unionist Michael VIII Palaiologos, who sought to subjugate Orthodox populations under the authority of the papal throne.

It was not until the late 13th century that the monastery was reconstituted, with vital support from Andronikos II Palaiologos, who granted it privileges and extensive land holdings.

Mount Athos as a whole continued to suffer destruction during the 14th century, primarily due to Catalan raids, leaving the Monastery of Karakallou nearly deserted.

The period of Ottoman rule inflicted renewed damage upon the monastery, prompting significant reinforcement and reconstruction in the 16th century, courtesy of Petru Rareș, the ruler of Wallachia.

During the 16th century, the renowned Saint Dionysios of Olympus pursued a life of asceticism within the confines of the Monastery of Karakallou before ascending to the position of abbot at the Monastery of Philotheos.

The Holy Monastery of Karakallou actively participated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

Tragically, in 1875, a significant portion of the monastery fell victim to a devastating fire.

The majority of structures within the Holy Monastery of Karakallou exhibit a post-Byzantine architectural style, superimposed upon older blueprints and foundations.

The monastery's Katholikon, constructed in the year 1548, adheres to the aesthetic tradition of its Athonite counterparts.

It was adorned with frescoes during the early 17th century by the venerable monks Ioannis and Damaskinos.

Situated at the heart of the courtyard, it pays homage to the esteemed Apostles Peter and Paul.

The "Beautiful Gate" of the Katholikon was skillfully crafted by the monk Theophanes the Cretan. In 1875, a fire ravaged a substantial portion of the monastery, yet miraculously spared the Katholikon.

Notably, the Monastery of Karakallou lacks a holy water font, Phiale, within its courtyard, which distinguishes it from other monastic enclaves on Mount Athos due to spatial constraints.

The present-day refectory of the monastery is an architectural gem from the 19th century.

While it may lack frescoes, it boasts ornamental icons of significant artistic value.

The Holy Monastery of Karakallou encompasses five chapels within its precinct, with four adorned by frescoes, while two others are situated beyond the confines of the monastery.

Within the confines of Karakallou Monastery's sacristy, a treasure trove of precious items steeped in religious, historical, and artistic significance is securely kept.

These invaluable treasures include fragments of the Holy Cross, sacred vestments, liturgical vessels, crosses, reliquaries, and more.

Pilgrims, during the sacred communion, have the opportunity to venerate the hallowed relics of numerous saints, including the venerated remains of Saint Christopher, the relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius, Tryphon, Antipas, and, most notably, the relics of the revered Hosiomartyr Gideon of Karakallou.

In the era of Ottoman rule, Hosiomartyr Gideon made the courageous decision to journey from Karakallou Monastery to Thessaly.

There, he fearlessly preached the teachings of Christ and fervently encouraged the populace to remain steadfast in their Orthodox faith.

His unwavering devotion led to his apprehension by Turkish authorities in the year 1818, in the town of Tyrnavos, where he met his tragic end at the hands of an executioner's axe.

The Icon Repository of the Holy Karakallou Monastery is located on the ground floor of the eastern wing, adjacent to the library.

One particularly remarkable artistic masterpiece is the 1722 depiction of the Twelve Apostles, which adorns the iconostasis of the Katholikon.

This masterpiece was skillfully crafted by the renowned Athonite painter Dionysius of Fourna.

Equally impressive is the work of Constantinos Paleokapas from 1640, capturing the poignant embrace between Apostles Peter and Paul.

Within the library's holdings at the Holy Karakallou Monastery, you will discover a treasury of approximately 300 manuscripts, including 42 parchment scrolls, as well as an impressive collection of nearly 3000 printed books.

Additionally, the archive houses a wealth of invaluable historical documents, including Chrysovoula, Kirovoula, Argyrovoula, Firmania, and more.

Notable among the manuscripts is a liturgical parchment scroll dating back to the 13th century, as well as a 9th-century Gospel adorned with grand calligraphy.

The Holy Monastery of Karakallou in Mount Athos offers a select collection of monastic products that reflect the tradition and sanctity of the place.

From exquisite candles, aromatic herbs, and their exceptional tsipouro to the fine wines of Mount Athos, each product represents a cherished memento of this historic monastery.

Fax : 0030 23770 23746

Telephone : 0030 23770 23225

Website : www.karakalou.wordpress.com

E -mail : [email protected]