Zografou Holy Monastery - Mount Athos
Taking a ferry from Ouranoupoli bound for Dafni, the first stop is the arsana of the Holy Monastery of Zografou, serving as a starting point for our journey to the monastery.
Nestled within the depths of the Athonite peninsula, just north of the Monastery of Constamonitou and perched on the precipice of a profound ravine, the Holy Monastery of Zografou remains concealed from the coastal view, enjoying the protective embrace of its strategic location.
Founded towards the close of the 10th century, this venerable establishment stands as one of Mount Athos' most ancient monastic communities, as well as a treasure of Greece.
Occupying the ninth position in the hierarchical hierarchy of the twenty monasteries on Mount Athos, it follows the Monastery of Xiropotamou and celebrates its feast day on April 23 in honor of Saint George.
Throughout the ages, the Holy Monastery of Zografou, also known as the Bulgarian Monastery, has primarily been inhabited by Bulgarian monks, endowing it with profound significance for the neighboring Orthodox populace.
Since 1849, the Holy Monastery of Zografou has adopted a coenobitic way of life, and today, its spiritual leader is Archimandrite Geron Ambrosios.
The official establishment of the Holy Monastery of Zografou can be traced back to the late 10th century.
However, according to tradition, its origins can be dated a bit earlier during the reign of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-912).
It is believed that the founders of this sacred institution were three brothers from Ohrid: Moses, Aaron, and John.
They decided to embrace a monastic life on Mount Athos and were determined to establish a monastery.
Legend has it that these three monks couldn't agree on which saint to dedicate their monastery to.
One fateful night, they placed a wooden plaque within the temple they were constructing and fervently prayed to the Lord for divine guidance.
To their astonishment, the following morning, the wooden slab bore the image of Saint George, artfully rendered by an unknown hand - a “Zografos” [Painter], as it were. Hence, the monastery's name may have originated from this remarkable tale.
The first documented reference to the Holy Monastery of Zografou can be found in the so-called "Typikon" of 972, also known as the "Tragos," bearing the signature of Emperor Tsimiskes. Interestingly, this document was also signed by a monk named "George the Zografos." Some scholars suggest that this monk may have been the monastery's founder, and the name "Zografos" possibly alluded to his profession as a painter, thus giving rise to the monastery's name.
The historical journey of the Holy Monastery of Zografou shares many parallels with other monastic communities on Mount Athos, with one notable distinction: its remote location, away from the sea, shielded it from the depredations of pirates that afflicted other Athonite monasteries.
Throughout its history, the monastery received patronage from notable figures such as Michael VIII Palaiologos, Andronikos II Palaiologos, John V Palaiologos, and others.
However, the 13th century marked a period of turmoil due to the Unionists, affecting both the Holy Monastery of Zografou and numerous other Athonite monasteries.
During the reign of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, a fervent advocate of uniting the Orthodox Church with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, and during the patriarchate of the resolute John XI Bekkos, who enforced Latinization, severe persecutions followed.
Despite being a benefactor of the monastery, Emperor Michael collaborated with Patriarch John Bekkos in their pursuit of church unity. Nevertheless, the monks of the Monastery of Zografou staunchly resisted this false union and remained steadfast in their commitment to Orthodoxy, leading to their martyrdom.
In a tragic episode, 26 monks were subjected to torture and immolation within the monastery's tower in 1276. In 1873, a monument was erected in the monastery's courtyard to honor the memory of these 26 martyrs.
During the Ottoman era, the monastery received substantial support from rulers of the Danubian regions and, notably, from Stephen VI the Good, the Hungarian ruler.
Even in the Byzantine era, the Monastery of Zografou attracted Bulgarian monks. Initially, in addition to Bulgarians, Greeks and Serbs resided within the monastery. However, from 1845 onward, the Bulgarian presence came to dominate.
The Holy Monastery of Zografou holds a significant place as a spiritual center for the Bulgarian people, and its history stands as a testament to unwavering faith and resilience.
The Katholikon, the central church of the Holy Monastery of Zografou, stands as a magnificent and grandiose structure dedicated to Saint George.
Originally built and adorned with frescoes in 1502, it underwent reconstruction in 1801 on the remains of the old church, which had suffered extensive damage.
Notable are the frescoes from 1817, as well as certain external walls meticulously crafted from carved stones with relief depictions.
The iconostasis and the sacred altar within the Katholikon serve as exemplary showcases of the splendid Athonite woodcarving tradition.
The Phiale, used for the consecration of waters, is crafted from marble and supported by eight columns, adorned with partially obscured frescoes.
The refectory of the Holy Monastery of Zografou underwent renovation in 1495 under the patronage of Stephen VI the Good.
However, the construction of the current building took place in the late 19th century.
Its appearance is characterized by simplicity, devoid of frescoes, in line with the style of other refectories found in the monasteries of Mount Athos.
In total, the Holy Monastery of Zografou boasts sixteen chapels, three of which feature exquisite frescoes.
he repository within the Holy Monastery of Zografou, nestled in the monastery's tower, safeguards a wealth of treasures.
Among these treasures are liturgical vessels, sacred vestments adorned with intricate gold embroidery, wood-carved crosses from various epochs, and more.
Here, visitors have the privilege of venerating numerous sacred relics, including those of revered saints such as the Great Martyr George, Patriarch Athanasios of Alexandria, Nestor, Barlaam, Antipas, Nikita of the Evangelist Matthew, and many others.
The Holy Monastery of Zografou is renowned for its impressive collection of icons, with one of the most noteworthy being the "Non-handcrafted" depiction of Saint George.
This icon is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary within the realm of Mount Athos.
Other icons that inspire profound wonder include the following: Our Lady “Proaggelomeni” [Foretelling] or “Akathist” [Of the Akathist Hymn]; Our Lady “Epakouousa” [Hearkening]; The icon of Saint George titled “Ex Arabi”; and the portrayal of Saint George as "The Ruler of Moldavia."
The library of the Holy Monastery of Zografou is located within the monastery's tower, housing a rich assortment of Greek and Bulgarian books, along with invaluable manuscripts.
Among the most treasured items are a Bulgarian codex, the 13th-century psalter of Rodomir, and the 13th-century Menologion of Dragan, containing synaxaria of martyrs.
However, the most significant codex in the collection is the one penned by the monk Paisios in 1745, which marks the first recorded history of the Bulgarian nation.
In total, there are 162 Greek manuscripts and 388 Slavic manuscripts, complemented by a collection of over 10,000 printed books.
Zografou Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Mount Athos, produces a rich variety of monastic products, made with traditional methods and pure materials.
The Monastery's products include:
Natural food products, such as honey, olive oil, herbs, and fruits, which are collected from the mountains of Mount Athos and prepared with traditional recipes.
Candles, which are made from natural beeswax and are decorated with traditional patterns.
Handicrafts, such as icons, crosses, and vestments, which are made by monks of the Monastery with great skill.
The monastic products of Zografou Monastery are an excellent choice for those who seek high-quality products with natural raw materials and symbolize the tradition and history of Mount Athos.
Fax : 0030 23770 23247
Telephone : 0030 23770 23247
Website : www.zograf.site/gr
E -mail : [email protected]
