Simonos Petras Holy Monastery - Mount Athos
Taking the small boat from Dafni, the first harbor we encounter belongs to the Simonopetra Monastery.
After ascending a rocky path, we arrive at the most impressive monastic complex on Mount Athos.
Situated on the southwestern shore of the Athos Peninsula, nestled between Dafni and the Holy Monastery of Grigoriou, is the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra.
This monastery is perched atop a rugged granite cliff, approximately three hundred meters above sea level.
It comprises three seven-story edifices with balconies and stands as a remarkable architectural achievement within Mount Athos. Notably, there are no trees within the complex, as its foundations are firmly rooted in the rocky terrain, much like the Monastery of Saint Dionysios.
The founding of the Monastery of Simonopetra can be traced back to the mid-13th century, and it observes the birth of Christ on December 25th.
Among the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, it holds the 13th position in the hierarchy, immediately following the Holy Monastery of Philotheos.
Since 1801, the monastery has operated as a coenobitic residence, with Archimandrite Elissaios serving as its abbot since 2000.
An integral dependency of Simonopetra is the Annunciation Monastery in Ormylia, Halkidiki, recognized as one of the most esteemed women's monastic institutions in the Orthodox world.
In the mid-13th century, around 1257, a devout ascetic named Simon resided in the region, dwelling in a cave.
As the tale goes, one Christmas night, Simon beheld a star perched upon a distant, inaccessible rock.
Convinced that it was God's divine plan to erect a monastery upon this very rock, he shared his vision with his companions.
Initially met with skepticism due to the audacious nature of the undertaking, events soon unfolded that altered their perspective.
One day, the followers witnessed Deacon Isaiah descending from the rock, bearing bread and wine. However, an unexpected slip caused him to plummet.
To their astonishment, when they rushed to his aid, they discovered Isaiah standing unharmed on a ledge of the rock.
This incident was perceived as a divine sign, prompting them to embark on the construction of the monastery, christened by Saint Simon as "New Bethlehem." Subsequently, in the 16th century, the monastery became known as "Simon's Stone" or "Simonopetra."
A pivotal benefactor of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra during its early years was John Uglesh, the Serbian ruler and bishop of Serres.
His substantial contributions facilitated the expansion of the monastery's infrastructure, while he also issued a chrysobull around 1368, endowing the monastery with relics and metochia.
The Holy Monastery of Simonopetra experienced periods of splendor and endured significant tribulations.
Its remote location safeguarded it from pirate raids and looting, but it was not impervious to the ravages of destructive fires.
Three major conflagrations marked its history, causing irreparable damage and loss of life. The first devastating fire erupted in 1580, resulting in utter devastation.
The precious monastery archives were consumed by flames, with only the katholikon surviving. The monks sought refuge in the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos.
However, Abbot Eughenios orchestrated a fundraising effort in the Danubian countries, ultimately enabling the monastery's reconstruction.
In 1622, a second fire struck the Monastery of Simonopetra, compounded by heavy Ottoman taxation, contributing to the monastery's decline.
Around 1762, the Russian monk Paisios Velichkovsky, who endeavored to revive the forsaken monastery, briefly practiced asceticism within its walls.
After departing Mount Athos, Paisios journeyed to the Danubian lands to propagate the spirit of Mount Athos monasticism.
His mission was subsequently continued in the late 18th century by Ioasaf of Mytilene, leading to the reopening and expansion of Simonopetra.
During the Greek Revolution of 1821, the monastery lay abandoned for six years but was later reestablished by Abbot Ambrosios and subsequently by Neophytos.
Tragically, in May 1891, a fiery catastrophe razed the monastery to the ground for the third time. Originating from the bakery, the inferno regrettably consumed the ledger and the library.
Nevertheless, with financial support from Russia, the monastery experienced a rebirth.
Today, the Monastery of Simonopetra thrives and undertakes remarkable missionary endeavors.
Countless individuals from diverse backgrounds have embraced Orthodoxy here, receiving baptism, and some even choosing the monastic life.
It is worth noting the spiritual work conducted in the monastery's metochia in France, through which our Orthodox faith is illuminated.
This sacred place nurtured great luminaries of Orthodox monasticism, including Hieromonk Hieronymus.
The architectural layout of the structures within the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra sets it apart from other monastic establishments on Mount Athos due to space constraints.
The monastery's Katholikon, dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus, is modest in size and occupies nearly the entire confined courtyard at the pinnacle of the cliff.
The original Katholikon survived the initial fire of 1580 but succumbed to the subsequent blaze in 1622. Nevertheless, it was meticulously restored and adorned with frescoes in 1633.
The current Katholikon is characterized by its simplicity and solemnity, the result of extensive renovations following the devastating fire of 1891.
It stands out among the few Katholikons on Mount Athos devoid of frescoes, tragically lost in the last conflagration.
Simonopetra, due to the limited space of its courtyard, does not possess a holy water Phiale.
The refectory of Simonopetra Monastery is situated on the second floor of the central wing and boasts a rectangular floor plan.
Its present appearance is the outcome of a thorough reconstruction carried out under the leadership of Abbot Neophytos in 1893.
While frescoes may be absent, the refectory is adorned with paintings depicting the life of Saint Simon, the monastery's founder.
Within the monastery, four chapels stand without frescoes, while outside the monastic walls, there are an additional 11 chapels, of which only the one dedicated to St. John the Theologian boasts frescoes.
Despite enduring multiple devastating fires, numerous relics have managed to withstand the test of time within the confines of the Simonopetra Monastery.
These precious artifacts now have their home in a recently refurbished repository situated on the seventh floor of the eastern wing.
Among this collection of relics, you will encounter a crucifix case containing fragments of the Holy Cross, sacred vessels, illuminated Gospels, gilded vestments, delicate veils, intricately carved wooden crosses spanning various epochs, encolpia, reliquaries, and a host of other remarkable items.
Within the sacred precincts of the Simonopetra Monastery, one can discover a wealth of holy relics belonging to revered saints.
These include the foot of St. Kirykos, the reliquary of St. Paul, the Patriarch of Constantinople and Confessor, the left hand of St. Dionysius of Zakynthos, and the reliquary of St. Sergius, bearing a poignant mark—a testament to the trials he faced during his martyrdom.
Yet, perhaps the most treasured of all sacred relics is the left hand of Mary Magdalene, the Myrrh-bearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles.
Remarkably, it has remained warm and unblemished for over two millennia. Today, the monks hold her in the highest regard, honoring her as a second patroness.
The Holy Monastery of Simonopetra boasts a collection of noteworthy icons, some of which are on display in the sacristy, while others are carefully preserved within the Katholikon.
Among these icons, you will find the depiction of the Theotokos as the “Hope of the Hopeless,” the portrayal of the “Dormition of the Theotokos,” the image of the “Theotokos Pantanassa” [All-queen], and the representation of the “Theotokos Pammakaristos” [All-blessed].
In the historical metochi of Simonopetra, nestled in Lemnos and the village of Propouli, there resides the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary known as the “Virgin of Vintage,” where the Virgin Mary is adorned in her distinctive white attire.
According to tradition, the fathers of Simonopetra make an annual pilgrimage on the 15th of August, departing from Mount Athos to the Our Lady of Vintage dependency to pay homage to the Virgin Mary on this significant feast day.
Regrettably, the old library of the Monastery of Simonopetra, which was situated above the Katholikon, fell victim to a devastating fire in 1891.
This tragic event resulted in the destruction of all the printed and manuscript books it housed, totaling approximately 245 manuscripts, including 56 musical compositions, and around 1000 printed books.
Fortunately, a comprehensive description of these manuscripts had been previously published by the historian Spyridon Lambros.
Thanks to this publication, we can trace the origins of these manuscripts, spanning from the 9th to the 19th century.
The oldest among them was a 9th-century parchment document, serving as an annotation within John Chrysostom's Gospel of John.
The library of the Monastery of Simonopetra embarked on a new chapter of its existence, starting from the ground up. It focused on expanding its collection with both practical printed works and manuscripts, primarily of museum-worthy value.
This dedication to preserving valuable manuscripts aligns with the timeless tradition upheld by Mount Athos monasteries.
Since 1994, the new library has found its home on the 7th floor of the east wing.
The present-day collection comprises approximately 179 manuscripts, over 60,000 book titles, and numerous contemporary theological journals. Lastly, it is worth noting that the library of Simonopetra has historically served a lending function.
Monks and students of the monastery, attending the Athoniada School, could borrow books from its collection, emphasizing its role in the dissemination of knowledge and scholarship.
