GREECE - CHALKIDIKI - ATHOS Monastic State's western shore
Orthodox Monastic state on the peninsula of Athos (Chalkidiki) founded by Tragos, the ancient charter of the Holy Mountain, signed in AD 972 by the hegumens of all monasteries. Its laws and principles formulate a mystical and devotional tradition dating from the 4th century AD but still alive and vigorous today. There are 20 main monasteries (16 Greek, 1 Serbian, 1 Russian, 1 Bulgarian and 1 Romanian) 12 sketes and more than 250 kellia (smaller monastic communities). Affairs are run by the Holy Community with its headquarters in the capital Karyes. The monasteries are divided into 5 groups of 4 each group headed by 1 of the 5 leading monasteries: Great Lavra, Vatopedi, Iviron (all Greek), Chelandari (Serbian) and Dionysiou (Greek).
May 27, 2010
Photos: 47
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