The Holy Mountain

Mount Athos, also known as ‘The Holy Mountain’ is the oldest surviving monastic community on Earth and is home to 2,000 orthodox Christian monks. Some decide to live in one of the 20 monasteries on the Greek peninsula whilst others choose to live a life of solitude and isolation on the cliffs.

The way of life for the monks is practically unchanged since the first monks arrived on the peninsula in the ninth century. Most of the monks live within the walls of their chosen monastery and sleep in very basic accommodation. Women are not allowe… — The way of life for the monks is practically unchanged since the first monks arrived on the peninsula in the ninth century. Most of the monks live within the walls of their chosen monastery and sleep in very basic accommodation.
Women are not allowed within 500 metres of its shore, and even female animals are prohibited from walking on Mount Athos. This is because the Virgin mary is said to have visited the peninsula and prayed to have it as her own. It is also believed that the presence of women might distract the monks, tempting them away from true celibacy and lead them to sin.

It is a common misconception that monks do nothing but sit and pray all day. In fact they spend a lot of the day working on the tasks given to them by the abbot. This can include cleaning the guest houses for visitors, making wine, preparing dinner … — It is a common misconception that monks do nothing but sit and pray all day. In fact they spend a lot of the day working on the tasks given to them by the abbot. This can include cleaning the guest houses for visitors, making wine, preparing dinner or building and renovating the monastery.
All effort is put into the job at hand and to whichever job is given to them as they believe it is a job given to them directly from God and are often reciting a prayer whilst they work.

Services take place in the monastery’s often exquisitely ornate churches, with services running for as long as six hours. The timings of the prayers vary but most takes place at night, with one service starting at 02:00 and finishing at 06:00 - this… — Services take place in the monastery’s often exquisitely ornate churches, with services running for as long as six hours. The timings of the prayers vary but most takes place at night, with one service starting at 02:00 and finishing at 06:00 - this is because the monks believe prayer is easier when the monastery is at its quietest.

If a monk would rather not live a monastic life they can live in a skete, a small community which allows relative isolation. The most isolated part of Mount Athos is known as Karoulia, where cells hang precariously on the cliff-edge with crashing wa… — If a monk would rather not live a monastic life they can live in a skete, a small community which allows relative isolation. The most isolated part of Mount Athos is known as Karoulia, where cells hang precariously on the cliff-edge with crashing waves hundreds of feet below. Monks may choose this life of complete isolation and simplicity to feel closer to God and be far away from any distractions to their prayer.

Eventually the monks will reach an age where they can no longer climb the chains and cliffs to leave their home. They will remain in the house until they die, where their bones will be kept and the next monk, chosen by the recently deceased, shall i… — Eventually the monks will reach an age where they can no longer climb the chains and cliffs to leave their home. They will remain in the house until they die, where their bones will be kept and the next monk, chosen by the recently deceased, shall inherit the house and replace him.