Xenophontos Holy Monastery - Mount Athos

Adorned with its architectural simplicity and majestic charm, exudes a sense of mystery and exultation

When taking the ferry from Ouranoupoli to Dafni, the second monastery you'll encounter as you sail south is the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos.

It appears to gracefully emerge from the sea. Situated on the southwest side of the Athonite peninsula, in a lush green landscape nestled between the monasteries of Docheiariou and Saint Panteleimonos, this ancient monastery boasts a rich history.

One can easily notice the northward expansion of the monastery that occurred in the early 19th century, effectively doubling its size.

The spacious courtyard of the monastery is adorned with lemon and bitter orange trees, palm trees, and a charming small pond, creating a picturesque scene.

The Holy Monastery of Xenophontos is one of the oldest monasteries on Mount Athos, with its foundation dating back to the late 10th century, attributed to Saint Xenophon.

It honors Saint George as its patron saint on April 23 and holds the 16th position in the hierarchy of the 20 Athonite monasteries, closely following the Stavronikita Monastery.

Remarkably, the monastery has operated continuously in a coenobitic manner since 1784, under the sigillium of Patriarch Gabriel IV.

Archimandrite Alexios has been the abbot of Xenophontos Monastery for over four decades.

Additionally, the monastery oversees the Skete of the Annunciation, along with four hermitages and two cells.

The monastery's origins trace back to the late 10th century when it was established as the Monastery of Saint George, contemporaneously with the founding of the Great Lavra Monastery.

Its founder was Saint Xenophon, who lived during the same era as Saint Athanasios the Athonite.

In an official document dated 998, Xenophon affixed his first signature as "Xenophon, monk, and Abbot of the Monastery of Saint George."

This document delineated the boundaries between the Monastery of Vatopedi and the Monastery of Alypios and is preserved to this day within the archives of the Monastery of Vatopedi.

During the early 11th century, the monastery came to be known by the epithet "Xenophontos," following the passing of its founder, signifying the possible ascetic nature of Xenophon.

Over its thousand-year history, the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos witnessed periods of glory as well as times of decline.

Numerous Byzantine emperors provided crucial support to the monastery, both during its establishment and during financially challenging periods.

One notable benefactor was Emperor Basil II, famously known as the Bulgarian Slayer, who bestowed the Monastery of Hieromnimon upon the monastery.

In the years of Emperor Nikephoros Botaneiates, from 1078 to 1081, a prominent judicial figure within the empire named Stephen, sometimes referred as “eunuch” sought refuge at the Monastery of Xenophontos.

Stephen held considerable political influence and maintained trusted relations with the imperial court.

Initially, Stephen entered the monastery as a monk, and shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of abbot, adopting the name Simeon. In 1089, according to historical records, Simeon brought a substantial sum of money to the monastery, a portion of which was his own, while the remainder was donated by Emperor Nikephoros Botaneiates.

Simeon's arrival significantly bolstered the monastery, which had fallen into disrepair. He oversaw the reconstruction of monastery buildings and enriched its treasures with relics, icons, and books. Additionally,

Simeon expanded the monastery's holdings with estates, properties, and a multitude of animals.

However, conflicts soon arose, with the existing monks and the Holy Monastic Community of Mount Athos expressing animosity towards Simeon.

The source of contention lay in the fact that Simeon's minor relatives were beardless, and he himself was eunuch, actions that contravened the monastic regulations of Mount Athos. Furthermore, his breeding of female animals violated the monastic rules.

Consequently, Simeon, along with his three associates, faced expulsion from Mount Athos. Seeking refuge, Simeon turned to his old acquaintance and friend, Alexios I Komnenos, who had ascended to the throne as Emperor after succeeding Nikephoros Botaneiates.

Alexios issued an edict commanding Simeon's return to the monastery, compelling the Holy Community of Mount Athos to comply with the imperial decree. Simeon was reinstated as the abbot, and he continued his transformative work within the monastery.

In the early 13th century, the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos faced vulnerabilities due to its coastal location, becoming a target for pirate raids.

Shortly thereafter, mercenaries in service of Emperor Michael VIII razed the monastery because the monks resisted and refused to yield to the authority of our Orthodox Church to the Pope.

These destructive acts persisted into the early 14th century at the hands of Catalan mercenaries. Nevertheless, with the assistance of Saint George and the support of Orthodox leaders, the monastery successfully underwent reconstruction.

By the close of the 14th century, it held the eighth position among the twenty-five monastic establishments.

During the initial years of Turkish rule, the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos faced severe hardships due to oppressive taxation and the confiscation of its property.

In 1569, the monastery was compelled to repurchase its seized assets through substantial loans. By 1581, the monastery's debt had grown to such proportions that it officially fell under the guardianship of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra.

Notably, during this period, the backing of Moldovlachia's rulers proved instrumental. The unique approach presented as a solution to the unfavorable conditions of Turkish dominion was first overturned in Athonite history in 1784 by Paisios of Lesvos, hailing from Kafsokalyvia.

Under his leadership, the monastery experienced a remarkable spiritual revival. He expanded the monastic complex and established the New Katholikon. Following Paisios's passing, Abbot Ignatius continued the extensive renovation efforts.

In 1817, a devastating fire swept through the monastery, particularly affecting the newly constructed wing.

However, it was meticulously reconstructed by the former bishop Philotheos. The building project was forcibly halted for several years due to the monastery's active involvement in the 1821 revolution and the struggle led by Emmanuel Pappas.

Subsequently, the monastery was deserted, failing to achieve significant prosperity even after Mount Athos was liberated. Its decline persisted through the events of World War II.

The downward trajectory of the Xenophontos Monastery came to an end in 1976 with the establishment of a new brotherhood and the appointment of Elder Alexios as its abbot, a role he continues to hold today.

In October 1998, a grand celebration marked a millennium of the monastery's storied history.

The Holy Monastery of Xenophontos holds a unique distinction with its two Katholikons, both dedicated to the memory of Saint George, a feature not commonly found in other monastic establishments on Mount Athos.

The older Katholikon of the monastery, dating back to the 10th century, stands as one of the more modest structures on Mount Athos.

It exudes an air of grandeur and solemnity, adorned with frescoes by the Cretan painter Antonios, dating back to 1544.

The exceptional gilded iconostasis, a masterpiece from the 17th century, further enhances its splendor.

In contrast, the newer Katholikon was completed following the Greek Revolution of 1821, making it the most recently constructed and spacious among all Katholikons on Mount Athos.

The interior of the church is bathed in an abundance of light streaming through its windows.

The iconostasis, crafted from marbles originating from Tinos and Athos, stands as a testament to the monastery's devotion to craftsmanship.

Adjacent to the new Katholikon, one can find a marble holy Phiale, sculpted from Chian red marble, which is used for blessing water.

The monastery also houses two refectories, the old and the new. The former, situated opposite the entrance of the old cathedral, boasts frescoes dating back to the 15th century.

Furthermore, the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos boasts a total of twelve chapels, the most ancient among them being the one dedicated to Saint Demetrios.

This chapel is an integral part of the old Katholikon and showcases frescoes from the 13th century

The Holy Monastery of Xenophontos is adorned with a wealth of remarkable relics, which include crosses containing fragments of the Holy Cross and a collection of precious liturgical vessels.

Notably among these treasures is a 13th-century steatite relief icon depicting the Transfiguration, as well as a meticulously gilded epitaph gifted by John Karatzis, the leader of Wallachia.

Additionally, there is an intricately embroidered epitrachelion crafted by Moldavian artisans in the early 16th century, embellished with threads of gold and silver.

This splendid garment was presented to Xenophontos by Wallachia's leader, Neagoe I Basarab.

Pilgrims fortunate enough to visit the monastery have the privilege of venerating a multitude of holy relics, including a fragment of Saint George’s right hand, a portion of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr's head, the right hand of Saint Marina, the sacred relic of Saint Xenophontos, the right foot of Saint Theodore of Tiron, and numerous other revered saints.

Within the sacred grounds of Xenophontos Monastery, a diverse collection of portable icons graces its halls.

Among them are Byzantine relics, significant post-Byzantine works, and more contemporary pieces. Particularly noteworthy are two mosaic icons: one depicting St. George and the other, St. Demetrios.

Inside the Katholikon, you'll discover the preserved 13th-century icon of Our Lady “Kecharitomeni” [Full of Grace], alongside the 14th-century venerated icon of the monastery, Our Lady "Odigitria" [Leading]. These icons are part of a fascinating tale bound by an intriguing history.

Before 1730, the miraculous icon of the Holy Virgin of Odigitria resided within the sacred walls of Vatopedi Monastery.

However, in October of the same year, this sacred icon mysteriously vanished, despite the securely locked gates, only to reappear within the confines of Xenophontos Monastery.

This enigmatic incident was attributed to theft. Vatopedi Monastery reclaimed possession of the icon, instituting stringent measures for its safeguarding.

Nevertheless, the icon embarked on yet another miraculous journey to Xenophontos Monastery. It was then that the Vatopedians recognized the event as a divine miracle, heeding the will of the Virgin Mary.

Since that momentous occasion, the icon has remained in the custody of Xenophontos Monastery, bestowing its blessings upon countless childless couples.

Today, the library of Xenophontos Monastery stands as a testament to its historical significance, despite the devastating fire of 1817.

Its collection comprises over 500 manuscript codices, including eight parchment pieces and three scrolls.

Among these treasures, a notable assortment of musical manuscripts is preserved. The crown jewel of the monastery's manuscripts is a tetraevangelium from 1554, a generous gift from the ruler of Moldavia, Alexandru Lăpușneanu.

This parchment gospel is adorned entirely with silver and gold, featuring depictions of the Resurrection on its front and St. George on its back.

Additionally, the library houses numerous historical archival documents and boasts an extensive collection of over 15,000 printed books, including a curated selection of approximately 1,000 titles dating from the period between 1530 and 1799.

The Holy Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos is renowned for producing high-quality monastic products that embrace spiritual heritage.

Its wines exude the taste of blessing, incense serves as aromatic offerings, prayer ropes are woven with love and faith, honey captures the sweet simplicity of nature, while loukoumi represents a flavorful embrace of authentic tradition.

Each monastic product embodies a blessing and a drop of history that travels through time.

Fax : 0030 23770 23631

Telephone : 0030 23770 23633

Website : www.imxenophontos.eu

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The Holy Monastery of Xenophontos, adorned with its architectural simplicity and majestic charm, exudes a sense of mystery and exultation. The sound of cymbals resonates with the emerging sun, while the chants permeate the pure atmosphere, creating a dance between the past and the present. Here, silence is a language spoken with the absolute sincerity of spiritual devotion