Skete of Saint Demetrios - Vatopedi Monastery - Mount Athos

The Holy Skete of St. Demetrios of Vatopaidi is one of the oldest and most organized sketes on Mount Athos during the byzantine. It is located on the southern border of the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi, a 30-minute walk away. It is surrounded by lush green hills with an opening to the north.

The history of the skete dates back to the 10th century, when the monastery of Chalkeus was founded. The founder of the monastery was Demetrios Chalkeus, who dedicated the monastery's church to the saint of the same name. After Demetrios' death, the monastery and the surrounding cells were placed under the protection of the neighboring monasteries of Theotoku and Esfigmenou.

The name Chalkeus remained with the skete until the end of the 18th century. In 1759, the internal regulations of the skete were drawn up, which determined the relationship between the monks and the administrative authorities. During the 18th century, the skete experienced great prosperity, with the number of monks reaching 120.

In the 1980s, the skete had 10-12 monks. With the 2001 census, the number of monks had increased to 16. The skete has 70 manuscripts, as well as a marble tomb of Kyriakos, a work of the 12th century.