To the 1000th anniversary of the Russian presence on Mount Athos
How is Athos preparing for the millennium of Russian monasticism? An RD correspondent talks about this with People's Artist of Russia Vasily Igorevich NESTERENKO, who spent the last six months on Mount Athos, working on the restoration and painting of Russian churches.
Vasily Nesterenko can talk about Mount Athos for hours...
– 2016 is not only the year of the 1000th anniversary of the Russian presence on Mount Athos. At the same time, we can say that this is the 1000th anniversary of all Russian monasticism. The Monk Anthony of Kiev-Pechersk was tonsured in the Russian Athonite monastery of Xylurgu. Then, having arrived in Kyiv, he transferred the traditions of Athos monasticism to the generally already established Kiev Pechersk Monastery, but breathed new content into it. This relay race, which was passed on by Russian monks from Mount Athos to Rus', is a unique event. The fact is that even earlier, part of Svyatoslav’s squad settled on Mount Athos, accepting monasticism. At some point, there were so many Russians there that they already had their own small monastery of Xylurgu, translated as “the monastery of woodworkers.” The most ancient Russian Assumption Church was built in Xylurgu. Then a cathedral with the same name - Assumption - was erected in Kyiv as a symbol of the capital's power. After the destruction of Kyiv and the loss of its all-Russian significance, the Assumption Cathedral arose in Vladimir, and then in Moscow. Thus, the main cathedral of the country still remains the same, in which all Russian tsars and emperors were crowned, and in 1917 Patriarch Tikhon was enthroned after his election in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Consequently, our all-Russian shrine traces its history back to the small Assumption Church in the Xylurgu monastery.
Naturally, our entire great country is preparing for the anniversary. Because Athos is a special place for Russia. The Russian Athonites who live in the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery on Athos are also preparing for this. Both in hermitages and in scattered Greek monasteries. The leadership of our country is preparing. The Patriarch is getting ready. We'll see what happens. In my opinion, there will be something comparable to the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'.
– What is your relationship with Athos?
– I first came to Athos in 1995. In recent years I have been going there constantly. There is always some kind of work there for me. In particular, on Mount Athos I painted four paintings for the reception hall of the archondarite of the Russian monastery. Archondarik is a hotel for pilgrims. The temples are now being painted. And actually this is a secret. So far I have not had the blessing to talk about my work.
– What if in general terms?
– Now the construction of several facilities on Mount Athos is being completed. These include infrastructure facilities such as hotels and roads. The fact is that a lot has been destroyed on Athos. For example, New Thebaid was completely destroyed. The Old Rusik Monastery has not yet been painted. Many objects require repairs and repairs. For example, the cell of Elder Silouan. Much has already been done. Dmitrievskaya cell was restored. Much work is underway to recreate Old Rusik, where the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God has been restored. In the 19th century, there were more than five thousand Russians on Athos, that is, more than half of the entire population of Athos. All Greek monasteries are overflowing with contributions from Russian merchants and philanthropists who helped the whole of Athos. Accordingly, a huge number of cells and monasteries arose, many of which now no longer belong to the Russian monastery. It’s a shame that the two main monasteries – Ilinsky and St. Andrew’s – went to the Greeks. In St. Andrew's Skete, unfortunately, Russian cultural heritage is not treated with due respect. The paintings are knocked down, the original icons are taken out of their cases and replaced with a style alien to the native decoration of the temple.
The Russians have two large monasteries left - Xylurgu, in which our first Assumption Church was built, and Stary Rusik, where the huge temple of the Great Martyr Panteleimon is located. It has not yet been painted, but there is hope that it will be painted to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the presence of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos.
– And you paint it too?
– Let’s put it this way: we take part in artistic works.
- Fine. Then we won't talk about your work. Let's talk about everyday life, about people, about meetings. Where do you live there? What is the daily routine?
– On Mount Athos, all living quarters are called cells. Now the cells have become equipped with amenities. And twenty years ago there was no water in them, and we went to the sea to wash ourselves. In winter it is cold. Instead of electricity there were kerosene lamps. In order to read the rule for the sacrament, you had to get some kerosene. You twist this lamp, it smokes. The monastery barely survived, such was the poverty. But times have changed, now Russia has adopted a state program to support Mount Athos.
Where we have to work on Mount Athos, that’s where we live. The monastic way of life is very difficult and complex. At first glance, it is simply impossible to endure it. A long all-night vigil where you confess. Then you read the rules before communion. Then a very short nap. As soon as I lay down, they wake me up at three o’clock in the morning with a bell for the morning service, which lasts six hours. Lunch at nine in the morning. The refectory, where the lives of the saints are ceremoniously read. The meal ends with a common prayer, and everyone goes to the temple of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, where they carry out his venerable head.
Again the service, this time short. And only after that they are released to work. The next meal is only tomorrow. During long periods of fasting and fasting days, eat once a day. Only sometimes it happens twice a day.
- How do you eat there?
– We fully comply with the monastery charter. The same ban on meat. Fish only on the day when it is allowed. But, you know, despite the fact that we have to work a lot, this is enough for us. The fact is that monastic food is very tasty. The bread is extraordinary. I saw how they bake bread there - with prayer. Huge loaves of bread, I had no idea such things existed – one meter by one meter. Monastic food, although simple, is very tasty. There is another example. The monk puts a bag of salted olives on his back and goes to his cell. Near his cell there flows a stream from which he drinks water and eats these olives. And he tastes nothing else. And there are also those who live right on the mountain - on a cliff, right on a rock. There are two by one and a half meter cells, ending in a cliff 200 or 300 meters deep. “How do you keep warm in winter?” - I ask such a monk. “I’ll light a lamp and warm myself,” he answers. But it can be very cold there. Some people are capable of such a feat, while others live in a communal monastery, which is also very difficult (I mean the relationship between monks). Both there and here you need to cut off your will. And there is always the invisible presence of the authorities, who blesses or does not bless you for this or that step. And you obey a certain single monastic rhythm. It is very interesting. This is so different from what we see in the world, in everyday life! Although, on the other hand, people are all the same, and they have the same passions, but there is still something special.
Now there are about 60 people working in the Russian monastery - monks, novices, laborers. They practically have no time to sleep. When do they sleep? How long does the confessor of a Russian monastery, Father Macarius, sleep, and how long do the rest of the monks sleep? How long does Abbot Jeremiah sleep? By the way, I painted his portrait. When I handed him this portrait, he said briefly: “Have love among yourselves.” That is, love is the most important thing. This is the meaning of life. Why do people go to Athos? Why do they go to a monastery? What is everything for? To increase love.
On October 22, Abbot Jeremiah turned 100 years old. All Greeks are surprised at his longevity and treat our abbot with reverence.
– How long did you have to be in the same room with the elder?
– When I painted the portrait, we communicated. At the same time, he stood, sometimes for more than one hour. The man is, of course, special, very bright. Didn't talk much. But being next to him is already a joy. There are people who tell you a lot, and it’s empty. And Abbot Jeremiah is one of those who simply remains silent, and only gives more. And then no one forbids visiting the Greek elders of Athonite - Pope Janis or Elder Gabriel, to whom people come for advice. Yes, and Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi gives a lot of spiritual and life advice.
-Have you visited any of them?
- Yes. I especially remember Elder Gabriel. He lives two steps from the cell in which the Monk Paisius the Svyatogorets lived. We arrived, but he was not there. He went to feed the cats. Comes. Big queue. He saw the Russians and accepted us without waiting in line. He told everyone about his secret. I left him completely inspired. I asked him one thing, and he answered me about something completely different. And you suddenly realize that this is the most important thing you need. About some family relationships, about work. Everything that's on your mind. How did he know this? And he is very friendly towards Russians, towards Russia.
Returning to Old Rusik, I would like to note that this monastery is located at an altitude (according to various sources) 400–500 meters above sea level. And the nature there is very reminiscent of Russia - fir trees, pine trees. Climbing Stary Rusik is not for the faint of heart; it requires a lot of effort. I'm not even talking about how difficult it is to climb Mount Athos itself. For an adult, trained man, this is a problem. And the elderly and infirm often overcome this path without problems.
Athos always smells fragrant. Even in the fall. Although, what can bloom in the fall? This is not the case in Greece. It feels like the priest just walked with a censer. How many times have they asked the monks - they answer, brushing it off: “Yes, something is blooming.” Unclear. What can I say? The lot of the Mother of God, the garden of the Mother of God, as Athos is called.
Interviewed by Andrey Viktorovich POLYNSKY
2016 marks the 1000th anniversary of the presence of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos. To organize celebrations dedicated to the memorable date, a Working Group under the President of Russia was created, headed by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District A.D. Beglov, and the Organizing Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church, which was headed by the chairman of the Department of External Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk. The operator of the celebrations was the St. Basil the Great Foundation.
On the occasion of the anniversary, many events initiated by the Russian Orthodox Church took place throughout the country. The Foundation of St. Basil the Great organized the bringing of the venerable relics of St. Silouan of Athos and the icon of the Lord Jesus Christ from Mount Athos to the Russian Orthodox Church.
The main anniversary celebrations took place from September 21 to 24 at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. They included the Meeting of Abbots and Abbesses of the Russian Orthodox Church monasteries chaired by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', the international scientific conference “Rus - Holy Mount Athos: a thousand years of spiritual and cultural unity”, an exhibition of archival materials “Rus and Athos”, as well as a festive concert “ Marina of salvation."
Let us also recall that as part of the Athos celebrations in May 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' visited the Holy Mountain.
Conference "Rus - Holy Mount Athos: a thousand years of spiritual and cultural unity"
The international scientific conference “Rus - Holy Mount Athos: a thousand years of spiritual and cultural unity” took place on September 21-22 in the Hall of Church Councils of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. More than 400 governors and abbots of monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church, Orthodox figures, historians and philologists took part in it. Mikhail Bibikov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Head of the Department of Byzantine and Modern Greek Philology of the Faculty of Philology of Moscow State University, Pavel Kuzenkov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, teacher at Sretensky Theological Seminary, Mikhail Shkarovsky, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Chief Archivist of the Central State Archives made their reports to the conference participants St. Petersburg, Archimandrite Augustine, Larcher Jean-Claude, Orthodox theologian, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Theology, Abbot Euthymius, etc.
Meeting of abbots and abbesses of the Russian Orthodox Church
The meeting of the abbots and abbesses of the Russian Orthodox Church was held on September 21-22 in the Hall of Church Councils of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior with the participation of more than 600 people - abbesses and abbots of the monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church, including from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Central Asian Metropolitan District, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad . “Not so long ago, only 16 monasteries operated in the entire Soviet Union. Now the number of monasteries in the Russian Orthodox Church has reached 888. Through the solitude and prayer of monastics, through their real spiritual feat, for modern people, who often have not connected themselves with the Church in any way, the beauty of the spiritual life of a Christian is suddenly revealed. This is what monks should do today - unobtrusively, not even in the beauty of words, but with their way of life, their prayer, love for people, sacrificial service - to actualize the image of Christ. Christ must leave the pages of the Gospel and enter the life of modern man. Observing your life experience, your prayer, your humility, your works, those who visit monasteries feel the deepest change in their lives - the same role, undoubtedly, is played by Holy Mount Athos for Rus', as, I hope, for very many other countries,” said Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' at the opening of the meeting.
Metropolitan Athanasius of Limassol (Cypriot Orthodox Church) also took part in the Meeting of Abbots and Abbesses of the Russian Orthodox Church; Metropolitan Georgy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas, Chairman of the Commission of the Inter-Council Presence on the organization of the life of monasteries and monasticism; Archbishop Feognost of Sergiev Posad, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism; Archimandrite Methodius (Markovich), abbot of the Athos monastery of Hilandar; Hieromonk Kirion (Olkhovik), antiprosop of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery in the Holy Cinema of Holy Mount Athos. Reports were given on the “History of Svyatogorsk monastic traditions in Xylurgu, Stary Rusika and St. Panteleimon Monastery”, “The relevance of Svyatogorsk traditions in modern monastic life”, “Transfer of Svyatogorsk traditions through the monasteries of Crimea in the XIV century to Holy Rus'”, “Creating the unity of brotherhood " and etc.
Exhibition “Rus and Athos”
From September 21 to 24, an exhibition of archival materials “Rus and Athos” was organized at the Museum of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. It presented unique authentic documentary materials, ancient manuscripts, letters, icons, graphics, photographs and objects of decorative and applied art from the collections of Russian archives, museums and private collections, testifying to the centuries-old history of relations between Russia and Athos. Also for the first time, previously classified archival documents about relations with Mount Athos during the Soviet era were exhibited. “Thanks to this exhibition, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior has become a unique not only spiritual, but also cultural and exhibition place. I am sure that the people who visited it were able to gain a completely new perspective on today,” noted Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, who took part in the opening of the exhibition.
Bringing the relics of St. Silouan of Athos
As part of the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the presence of Russian monasticism on Holy Mount Athos, the venerable head of the Russian ascetics, St. Silouan of Athos, was brought within the boundaries of the Russian Orthodox Church. The bringing of the shrine was blessed by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. The organizer of the offering is the St. Basil the Great Foundation.
On August 20, from the St. Panteleimon Monastery (Athos), in which the relics are stored and from which they have never been removed until now, the shrine, accompanied by monks, was delivered to the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, where it remained until August 31. Then the Russian stage of bringing began, which includes Bryansk (August 31-September 3), Orel (September 3-6), Yelets (September 6-9), p. Shovskoe (September 8-9), Tambov (September 9-12), Yekaterinburg (September 12-15), St. Petersburg (September 15-19), Moscow (September 19-24).
In total, 315 thousand believers were able to worship the shrine. The number of worshipers was calculated by the number of icons distributed in churches:
- Minsk - 100 thousand people;
- Bryansk - 15 thousand people;
- Eagle - 20 thousand people;
- Yelets - 15 thousand people;
- the village of Shovskoye - 6.5 thousand people;
- Tambov - 20 thousand people;
- Yekaterinburg - 35 thousand people;
- St. Petersburg - 37 thousand people;
- Moscow - 65 thousand people.
Together with the relics, another great Orthodox relic was brought from Athos for the first time - the miraculous icon of the Lord Jesus Christ, in front of which the Monk Silouan was honored with the appearance of the Savior.
The delegation that accompanied the shrine included the resident of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Athos, Hieromonk Kirion (Olkhovik), the rector of the Russian Panteleimon Monastery on Athos in Kyiv, Hieromonk Alexy (Korsak), the inhabitants of the Danilov Stauropegial Monastery in Moscow, Hieromonk Vasily (Ilyin) and Hieromonk Cyprian (Safronov), as well as representatives of the St. Basil the Great Foundation.
“Saint Silouan is the only Russian saint glorified on Mount Athos. There could be no choice here. And he is here with us now, this is not mysticism. You can feel it,” commented Sergei Rudov, Deputy General Director of the St. Basil the Great Foundation.
Reference
Venerable Silouan of Athos (1866-1938) - ascetic of the St. Panteleimon Monastery (Athos). Born in 1866 in the village of Shovskoye, Lebedinsky district, Tambov province. At the age of 19, he decided to enter the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, but his father insisted that he first enter military service, which he did in St. Petersburg in a sapper battalion. In the fall of 1892, he came on a pilgrimage to Holy Mount Athos, where he remained, entering the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery. In 1896 he was tonsured into the robe. In 1911, after being tonsured into the schema with the name Silouan, he served as the monastery steward. For his prayerful deeds he was awarded the appearance of the Lord. Died on September 11 (24), 1938. After his death, he left his notes, published in 1952 by his spiritual son, Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov). Many monastics call them the “New Philokalia.” On November 26, 1987, by the decision of the Holy Synod, the Patriarchate of Constantinople carried out the canonization of Silouan of Athos. The feast day of St. Silouan on September 11 is one of the most revered holidays of the Russian Svyatogorsk monastery on Mount Athos, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims.
Notes for the 1000th anniversary of our presence on the Holy Mountain
On January 25, 2016, several international forums begin in Moscow, which will be held as part of the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of the Russian monastic presence on Mount Athos.
Let us remind you that the Athos peninsula is located in the northeast of Greece, its length is about 60 km, width - from 7 to 19 km; the height of the highest mountain in the cascade is 2033 m. According to legend, in 49 AD, the ship on which the Virgin Mary was sailing was caught in a storm and washed ashore. The Mother of God admired the beauty of Athos and asked the Lord God for this place as her inheritance. “Let this place be Your inheritance and Your garden and paradise and the haven of salvation for those who wish to be saved,” was Her answer.
The grace of God on Athos is felt physically. Many people who have been there talk about this. The author of these notes also testifies to this.
There are 20 monasteries on the Holy Mountain, their number remains constant, and many hermitages, cells and kalivas assigned to these monasteries. Most of the monasteries are Greek, but there are Bulgarian and Serbian monasteries, and there is a Romanian monastery. In every monastery you can find monks who speak and understand Russian. But it is precisely the Russians on Athos that call the St. Panteleimon Monastery, to which several monasteries of a lower status are assigned, including the ancient monastery of Xylurgu.
It is simply impossible to overestimate the importance of Athos for Russian civilization, for the emergence of the phenomenon of Rus', which the people will call Holy. The examples are not unique, but striking: the name of the monastery in which the Monk Anthony took monastic vows on Mount Athos will be reproduced by him in Kyiv with the blessing of the construction of the Great Church - the Church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Assumption churches from Kyiv will spread throughout Rus'. We call the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, like Athos, the inheritance of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The title of the series of lectures that will be read by a Greek professor as part of the 1000th anniversary celebrations in one of the religious educational institutions of Russia is indicative: “From St. Anthony of Kiev-Pechersk to St. Silouan of Athos. Russian saints who labored on Holy Mount Athos." The Monks Anthony and Silouan are separated in time by nine centuries.
The spiritual connection between Athos and Russia to one degree or another - in correspondence, in ascetics - existed throughout the centuries. Russian sovereigns paid special attention to Athos in the 19th and 20th centuries. As if anticipating the coming decades of Russian atheism, they hurried to do more for the inheritance of the Most Holy Theotokos.
A lot was built and restored, and not only in Russian monasteries. The revolution cut off the flow of Russian monks and pilgrims from Athos. Over the years, the monasteries became impoverished, fell into disrepair, suffered fires, and some were completely deserted. So St. Andrew’s monastery, the largest on Mount Athos, became depopulated and we lost it.
Preparations for the solemn celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Russian Athos were initiated by the public and supported by the top leadership of Russia 10 years ago, in 2006. In Russia they know how to work systematically.
It is not without curiosity how the date was established - 1000 years.
Authoritative Church historian E.E. Golubinsky (†1912), examining the question of where on Athos the future founder of Russian monasticism Anthony of Pechersk took monastic vows, writes: “If it is proven that on Athos, in the second half of the reign of Yaroslav (the Wise), there was a Russian monastery, which is very possible, then the most likely thing would be to assume that Anthony took monastic vows in a Russian monastery.” At the end of the 19th century there was no such evidence. The most ancient Greek monasteries - Esphigmen and the Great Lavra - were called the place of Anthony's tonsure, and later Iviron - once a Georgian monastery. When investigating the circumstances and time of the origin of the legend about Esphigmen, it quickly became clear that the “legend” was composed in the 1840s with the goal, Golubinsky directly points out, “to place his monastery under the patronage of Russia, in order to attract our well-known generosity to it.” Note that the Esphigmenians achieved their goal. With the support of the Russian tsars, a new Ascension Cathedral and several small churches were built in Esphigmene. Russian generosity in this case also emphasizes the importance that the Russian sovereigns attached to spiritual unity with Athos. In due course, the Great Lavra also disappeared as a version. Well, the Iveron version was substantiated by Bishop Kirion (Sadzaglishvili, later Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Hieromartyr). He believed that “it is unlikely that such an early foundation of a Russian monastery on Mount Athos, close in time to the baptism of Rus',” will ever be proven.” However, Academician Golubinsky turned out to be right. In the archives of the Great Lavra in 1932, a group of French researchers led by Byzantine professor Paul Lemerle discovered a parchment with the Act, which dates back to February 1016. The document bears the signatures of 21 abbots of the Athos monasteries.
The thirteenth in a row is the signature of the abbot of the Russian monastery. The text from Greek is translated as follows: “Gerasim is a monk, by the grace of God, presbyter and abbot of the Rosov monastery. Handwritten signature."
The document actually proves that a Russian monastery existed on Athos already under Vladimir the Baptist († 1015), if not earlier, not under the Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga, who was baptized in Constantinople by Patriarch Theophylact, who died in 956 (three decades before the Baptism of Rus' ). Prince Vladimir in 988 and 989 sent his embassies - respectively - to Jerusalem and Constantinople. It is believed that one of the embassies included the very young future Reverend Anthony, who on his way back came to Athos for the first time.
The oldest document, which is in the library of the Panteleimon Monastery, dates back to 1030. In this document, for the first time, the Rosov monastery has a proper name; the monastery is called: “Theotokos Xylurgu.” Xylurgu – “woodmaker” (carpenter). The Russians built the first buildings on Mount Athos from their usual wood, which surprised the Greeks, who built from stone. “Theotokos” is the everyday name of the monastery and the abbreviated name for the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in honor of which the current cathedral in Xylurgu is illuminated. Since the 12th century, Xilurgu has become a skete of the Panteleimon Monastery.
It is noteworthy that in 2006, before the Board of Trustees of the Charitable Fund for the Support of Russian Shrines on Mount Athos was created in Moscow at a high level, a procession of the Cross was held in Xylurgu for the first time in many decades after the fires and hard times with one of the main shrines of the monastery , the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, called the “Sweet Kiss” (Glycophilus). The religious procession was carried out, as was once customary in the old days.
Patriarch Kirill, having visited Mount Athos in June 2013, inspected the work ongoing in Russian monasteries and blessed new ones, visited the monastery of Xylurgu. Responding to the monastery’s greeting, the Patriarch said: “Indeed, this is the oldest Russian monastery in the world, from here the Russian Athos came... Then there was Old Rusik, and then New Rusik, St. Panteleimon Monastery. Therefore this place has special significance. Now there is a lot of work going on to restore the St. Panteleimon Monastery and Old Rusik, but the task is to restore Xylurga in the near future, so that we can celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the presence of Russian monasticism on Athos in a magnificent place. The restoration of this monastery will testify to our gratitude to all the monks who, for a thousand years, have maintained the unquenchable fire of the lamp of Russian monasticism here.”
On Russian Athos, a tremendous amount of work was carried out on the restoration and reconstruction of temples, archondariki (hotels), buildings, piers, and other buildings and structures; modern roads, utility networks were laid, landscaping was carried out...
One of the miracles that occurred on Russian Athos in the new century during the years of reconstruction is the discovery in the archives of the St. Panteleimon Monastery of the original negative of the miraculous Light-painted image of the Blessed Virgin Mary - a photograph that recorded the appearance of the Mother of God in the Russian monastery in 1903. The photograph was well known on Mount Athos, both in Russia and in Europe. In the St. Panteleimon Monastery there is a temple dedicated to the Light-Painted Image of the Mother of God. It was believed that the negative could not be found after the fires and desolation of the 20th century. The photograph was taken on August 21, 1903 (the name of the photographer is known - Hieromonk Gabriel) during the distribution of alms to the poor brethren at the gates of the monastery. Subsequently, it turned out that the photograph captured the image of the Mother of God accepting alms from the hands of an elder monk. In 2013, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God (August 21 / September 3) was included in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The main work was completed before the introduction of EU sanctions. Since Greece is a member of the EU, the “status” part of the celebrations on Mount Athos could well have been disrupted. In April 2015, President Vladimir Putin visited Greece. The main topic, as it seemed from the outside, was a dialogue about the Turkish Stream, which was relevant at that time, about a possible loan, and the memorandum on holding the Year of Russia in Greece and the Year of Greece in Russia in 2016 was on the periphery of attention. The Greek Prime Minister then emphasized: “Greece is a sovereign country with its unconditional right to conduct a multifaceted foreign policy.” He also spoke about the 1000th anniversary of Russian Athos as a common historical past.
Somewhat in unison, a statement was soon made by the closest associate of the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew, Metropolitan Apostle of Miletus (Vulgaris).
Let us remind you that the monasteries of Athos are under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. At the same time, all foreign inhabitants, entering the Athos monasteries, automatically receive Greek citizenship. Metropolitan Apostle is the representative of the Patriarch of Constantinople on Holy Mount Athos, has the unofficial title of “Bishop of the Holy Mountain” and is an influential person. He initially did not like the idea of celebrating the 1000th anniversary of the Russian presence on Mount Athos. In an interview that was published on the Svyatogorsk website (Αγιορειτικο βημα) on June 15, 2015, he says: “The Athos Holy Kinot initially appointed a commission and instructed it to meet with the Russian delegation, discuss the topic, give an opportunity to historically justify the 1000th anniversary of the presence of Russian monks on Afon. The beginning of the discussion showed that there is no separate Russian, Bulgarian or Serbian monasticism, there is a single Svyatogorsk monasticism. There is no nationalist dimension." In fact, no one denies that Svyatogorsk monasticism is united. How spiritually united is world Orthodoxy. The mixing of a state-historical approach to the fact of the emergence of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos and a purely ecclesiastical approach revealed precisely a political purpose in the statement of Bartholomew’s associate.
However, Metropolitan Apostle, concluding his passage, unexpectedly declared: “The Church wants these celebrations to take place in 2016.”
The Panteleimon Monastery itself was actively preparing for the anniversary. The hierarchy of the Russian monastery blessed the holding of a series of International Scientific Conferences “Athos and the Slavic World”. Conferences, attended by dozens of scientists from many countries, were held in Serbia (Belgrade, 2013), Bulgaria (Sofia, 2014), and Ukraine (Kyiv, 2015). The opening of the fourth conference is scheduled for January 25, 2016 in Moscow.
On January 15, the presidents of Russia and Greece, Vladimir Putin and Prokopis Pavlopoulos, announced the opening of the cross years of Russia and Greece. Putin noted that 37 events are planned for the cross year. The head of the Greek state invited Vladimir Putin to visit Athens, noting that “whatever disagreements there are between Russia and the European Union, they must be resolved through dialogue.” It is planned that Patriarch Kirill, as part of the celebration, will visit Athos in the spring of 2016.
In Kyiv, events dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of ancient Russian monasticism on Mount Athos de facto began in May 2015, when the III International Conference “Athos and the Slavic World” opened at the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. About 70 scientists from 16 countries, including old Europe and the USA, took part in the Kiev scientific forum.
Relations between Athos and the current rulers of Ukraine, as they say, did not work out.
In Kyiv, no one refuted the letter of the Athonites, known to the Orthodox world: “For some reason, guests from Kyiv have been frequenting us lately, high-ranking and not so high-ranking, “clergy” and lay people... They asked to bless Poroshenko for the kingdom, as well as a “military operation” on East. Junta emissaries visited all the major monasteries of the Holy Mountain, primarily in Vatopedi, Dohiara, Panteleimon Monastery, Hilandar, Filoteu, Kutlumush... Business people cynically offered the Abbots very large sums of money for one small letter of support. Having been refused, we moved on... Alas, complete failure awaited our comrades, even in the Russian monastery (!), where more than half are Ukrainians...”
The issue of celebrating the 1000th anniversary was considered by the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in October 2015. The Synod gave its blessing. The abbot of the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel, expressed his hope in God about the anniversary: “I think that with God’s grace the celebration will be, although not with such solemnity (as in Russia), but, without a doubt, with prayerfulness.. “I think the saint will arrange everything so that the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of ancient Russian monasticism on Mount Athos will promote peace, unity and Christ’s love.”
Patriarch Kirill, in a Christmas interview, speaking about the 1000th anniversary of Russian Athos, in particular, said: “Surprisingly, Athos has played, is playing and will apparently continue to play an important role in the Christianization of our society. After all, many go there for the sake of exoticism - just to see what kind of place it is, where women are not allowed, where monks are self-governing, some kind of state within a state... They come - and in their hearts they feel the grace of God that resides there, and forever maintain a connection with Athos... "
Special for the Centenary
Target: Introducing students to Russian monasticism on Mount Athos, its history and structure.
Lesson objectives:
Educational : learn about the geographical location of Mount Athos, find out the historical reasons for the development of monasticism on Mount Athos, get acquainted with the main temples of the mountain.
Developmental : realize that spiritual heritage contributes to the development of a person’s inner world; develop the ability to work with information, illustrative material, and monologue speaking skills.
Educating : to acquire a respectful attitude towards the spiritual heritage of the people preserved in culture; learn the rules of behavior in the temple, cultivate a value-based attitude towards spiritual, historical and cultural heritage.
Teacher's speech:Russian Athos is an inextricable and important component of the heritage of the Holy Mountain as a universal Orthodox treasury. The monastic republic is located on this mountain.
Athos for many centuries played an extremely important role in the development of domestic spirituality and culture, both in the era of Kievan Rus and in subsequent times. Particularly important was the formation under the influence of Mount Athos of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, which about 1000 years ago became a kind of “nursery” and center of monasticism, spirituality, book learning, culture and enlightenment throughout Rus'.
Since then, the influence of the Holy Mountain on the spiritual formation and development of Rus' has played a decisive role throughout its thousand-year history. Actually, it was Holy Mount Athos, its heritage and traditions that significantly influenced the formation of the mystical-ascetic image of original Russian Orthodoxy, as well as Holy Rus' itself. Therefore, joining the distant and at the same time native shrines of Athos has always been a cherished dream for many generations of Russian Orthodox people
The first written mention of Russian monks dates back to 1016, that is, we are celebrating a special anniversary - the 1000th anniversary of the Russian presence on Mount Athos. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of Athonite monasticism for the whole world, including Russia. And today we will discuss the following questions at our round table: where is such a famous mountain located? What were the historical prerequisites for the formation of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos? The cultural heritage value of the temples of Mt. The first to give the floor at our table is the geography student.
Speech by a geographer student
The Athos Peninsula is the extreme eastern tip of the Chalkidiki Peninsula. Its length from northwest to southeast is about 60 km, width is from 7 to 19 km, area is 335.637 km². The relief of the peninsula gradually rises to the southeast and turns into a rocky mountain range, ending with the marble pyramid of Mount Athos (height - 2033 m).
This peninsula, about 70 kilometers long, looks like a claw if you look at the map. This is a claw ten kilometers wide and ending with the mountain itself. So we say holy mountain, but we mean the entire peninsula. But there is also a mountain 2000 meters high. There is a temple on it in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and this is considered a common All-Athos holiday. Once a year, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, a pilgrimage goes up, they don’t make it in one day, and a lot of pilgrims climb this spire for two days, as the Athonites say, and celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord there. That is, they serve there once a year. But the church is considered active.
Athos has a complex status. It is an integral part of Greece and constitutes a special province - nome, in Greek, not only with its own way of life, but also with its own legislation. There has been its own government since Byzantine and Turkish times - it is called protat. And this government regulates all internal affairs and relations with the outside world. And Athos is divided between 20 monasteries. Therefore, if we speak in political terms, then there is something like feudalism. Each monastery is essentially a feudal lord - he owns his own one piece of land, unharnesses, makes all kinds of transactions, which, however, are then endorsed by this protat
Speech by student historian
This is a mountain, a holy mountain, this holy place is surrounded by all kinds of legends.
It is not known for certain when the monks appeared there. But they count from the conventional date of the end of the 10th century. Athos celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1966, and at that moment it seemed that Athos was dying. Only very old people remained there, Russian monasticism almost died out, Georgian monks also left Athos. This was the peak of the Athonite crisis. But then gradually, over the last 10, 15, 20 years, Athos began to revive. Religious people say that this is God’s providence, or rather, the will of the Mother of God. There are many legends associated with the Mother of God that she visited there and that she predicted that there would be, in secular terms, a monastic republic. Therefore, one of the epithets of the holy mountain is the lot of the Mother of God or the garden of the Virgin Mary. Another opinion, more practical, is that this place is quite secluded, mountainous, and therefore for the monks in Byzantine times it was calmer there, more convenient to escape from the world, to hide from passions, political and other adversities.
In 885, Emperor Basil I issued a decree officially recognizing the fact that Athos belonged exclusively to the monks. Shepherds and other laymen who were previously here were freely denied access to the territory of the peninsula. At the end of the 10th century, Emperor Alexei Komnenos I extended a ban on visiting Mount Athos to all women. In 1046, Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos officially assigned the name Holy Mount Athos to the peninsula, which it remains so to this day.
Speech by a student-expert in monasticism
The history of Russian monasticism on Mount Athos is the history of Russian monasticism as a whole. Because Russia has always considered itself spiritually connected with Athos, and the very first Russian monk - St. Anthony of Kiev-Pechersk - he comes from Athos, from the Esphigmen monastery. He is highly revered on Mount Athos, it is now a Greek monastery, where pilgrims are shown the cave where 1000 years ago Anthony, later the founder of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, labored. Then there are such great figures whom we consider to belong to Russian spiritual culture, such as St. Maxim the Greek. He is also an Athonite monk. Many saints and bishops come from Athos. And if we speak briefly and move straight to the 20th century, then one of the greatest saints of the 20th century, who is now incredibly revered even mainly in Western Europe, is the Monk Selouan of Athos, who lived on Athos in the 30s, spiritual writings which made a deep impression on Europeans. His disciples founded several monasteries in Europe, including the famous monastery in Essex. As for the monasteries, there were an extraordinary number of them, Russian monasteries. Only 20 monasteries are officially called monasteries. Other monasteries can be huge, like the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. But if they have not received this status, then they have other names. The most famous Russian monastery is the Panteleimon Monastery. This monastery, by Athonite standards, is quite young, and Russians have inhabited it since the beginning of the 18th century. At first, Greeks and Russians lived there, then the Russian brotherhood prevailed and, starting from the end of the 19th century, it became exclusively Russian in composition.
Russians on Mount Athos Currently, the number of brethren is about 50 people. The Russian Orthodox Church, through many years of persistent efforts, managed to prevent the physical extinction of Russian Athos. In recent years, there have been a number of positive changes in the life of the Russian monastery. Order and discipline were restored, several monastery buildings, as well as all the monastery churches, were repaired at the expense of donors.
Speech by a student architect. A student shows photographs of the main monasteries of Athos
The monasteries of Athos are real museums of Byzantine times. These are majestic fortresses built directly on rocky mountain slopes, with thick impenetrable walls.There are 20 monasteries on Mount Athos. The oldest of them, Lavra, was founded in 963, and the latest, Stavronikita, in 1542. The first Russian monastery on the Holy Mountain was founded during the time of Prince Vladimir and was called the monastery of the Virgin Mary Xylurgu, and the first written mention of it dates back to February 1016.Unique collections of ancient books, extensive libraries, collections of precious church utensils, priceless ancient frescoes and mosaics have been preserved in the monasteries to this day. The most important Christian relics are also kept here: the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, particles of the Venerable Tree of the Holy Cross, the incorruptible relics of saints, including the head of the holy martyr Panteleimon in the Russian monastery. The main Athonite shrine is the Gifts of the Magi, located in the Monastery of St. Paul. They were secretly transferred here from Constantinople after the fall of the Byzantine capital in 1453.
Results of the round table
TeacherHoly Mount Athos For Orthodox Christians all over the world, it is one of the main holy places, revered as the earthly Destiny of the Mother of God. UNESCO World Heritage Site.In 2016, it will be 1000 years since the first written mention of the existence and activity of the ancient Russian monastery on Holy Mount Athos, through which spiritual and cultural relationships were carried out between Russia and the center of Orthodox monasticism and spirituality on Athos. Despite all the difficulties that our Fatherland is going through today, this anniversary is very important. After all, a true revival of society is possible only through turning to one’s own spiritual heritage and origins, where Russian Svyatogorsk monasticism has always occupied one of the most important places.
Archimandrite Alexy (Polikarpov)
– Father Alexy, on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, you, together with the chairman of the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism, Archbishop Feognost of Sergiev Posad, visited the Russian St. Panteleimon Monastery on Athos. Please tell us a little about this trip.
– In 2016, Russian monasticism on Mount Athos marks a thousand years, and it is clear from everything that the time has come to “gather stones.” The monastery is being transformed before our eyes. Spiritual life does not stand still, young monks come to the monastery, and this is very important.
There was a period when the old brothers left the St. Panteleimon Monastery, and there were no new additions from Russia. Now there are about 80 people working in the monastery - Russians, Ukrainians, Moldovans. Of course, this is not enough - a lot of obedience, a lot of work, a lot of prayer, but one feels that there is replenishment, there is a spirit of prayer, spiritual optimism.
Together with the brethren and pilgrims, we prayed during the long Athos services, went to the sea in processions of the cross, and took part in the rite of blessing of water, which was performed by Archbishop Feognost of Sergiev Posad. Everything was very solemn.
On Epiphany Eve, the service of the elder brethren in the monastery cathedral was led by Abbot Jeremiah (Alekhine). Father Jeremiah is 99 years old, which does not prevent him from attending all services, praying, and taking part in fraternal meals. On the feast of Epiphany itself, the service was led by Archbishop Theognostus. The day before, from Friday to Saturday, the bishop climbed to the top of the mountain, where he also served the Liturgy.
It must be said that it is quite difficult not only for laymen, but also for monastic priests to participate in long Athos services, especially for those who do not often visit the Holy Mountain. But the spiritual uplift that a person experiences after visiting this shrine sets him up for heroism, and this is felt by everyone who visits the Russian Athos.
– What is Mount Athos for Russian monasticism?
– Athos for us is, first of all, a spiritual landmark, a model of asceticism and prayer. This is an example of a good renunciation of the world, a renunciation in which much attention is paid to spiritual creation. There is no doubt that a developed economy is necessary for any monastery, and one cannot do without it, but the most important thing is service to God and one’s neighbor. Athos serves pilgrims to a large extent. People from all over the globe come here to pray, to be imbued with the spirit of the monastic republic, and the Athonites welcome everyone with love.
– Monks go to the Holy Mountain in search of solitude and prayer, but even here the world does not leave them: they have to receive pilgrims who need to be taken care of...
– We are enriched by the shrine. I haven't been to the Holy Mountain for a long time. The elder brethren, who at one time left for Mount Athos from the Lavra, greeted us very cordially; we did not feel that we were burdening anyone with our presence. But there are natural limitations: the monastery cannot accept, for example, 1000 people a day. It is not so easy for the brethren to provide accommodation and food to everyone. However, the monastery has plans to develop pilgrimage, but caring for visitors should not upset monastic life. As Father Kirill (Pavlov) said: “Everyone must do their own thing.”
– Do you feel that spiritual life comes first here?
– Of course, spiritual life is the main thing here. There are no outside people, no fuss, everything is subordinated to “one thing that is needed.” The prayers that are performed throughout the day are not the sound of construction, not the noise of work... If construction is underway, then it is necessary for the brethren, prayer and pilgrims. However, both restoration and repair are pleasing – after all, this is the creation of something new.
There is clergy, there is eldership on Mount Athos. The monastery strives to preserve the old foundations. All the brethren are cared for by Father Jeremiah and Father Macarius; they are known as experienced confessors to many people in the world, and they are often turned to for advice.
At one time, Athos was famous for its educational and publishing activities. It would be good to further develop these areas.
– Athos is called a monastic republic. Do people of different nationalities coexist peacefully in this republic?
– Athos is truly multinational, for example, in a Greek monastery we met a brother originally from Poland. Yes, the monks communicate peacefully with each other, everyone is in harmony.
– Can monks from Russian monasteries come to Athos?
– Yes, the Lord so arranges that such an opportunity exists, and it is expanding. Of course, the brethren have to strain more, but the Lord both strengthens and helps. Not only Russians, but also Ukrainians, Moldovans, and Romanians come to the Russian Monastery to pray. So this is a great benefit for all Orthodox Christians.
Interviewed Ekaterina Orlova
Reference
St. Panteleimon Monastery- one of 20 monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece. The first Russian monastic settlement on Mount Athos appeared in the 11th century; there is a written mention of it as an active monastery, dating back to February 1016. On Mount Athos, the founder of Russian monasticism, the Monk Anthony of Pechersk, took monastic vows. In the 17th century, the monastery passed into the hands of the Greeks. By the end of the 18th century it fell into disrepair. The return of Russian monks began only in the 1830s; from that time on, the monastery enjoyed the patronage of the Russian imperial family and was rebuilt. The monastery flourished at the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century, when it became the largest monastery on Mount Athos in terms of area and number of brethren. By 1913 there were more than 2,000 monks. After the revolution, due to the severance of ties with Russia and the systematic displacement of Russians from the Holy Mountain, the number of brethren began to decline rapidly. At the end of the 1960s, there were only 7 elderly monks left in the monastery. At the moment, including novices, there are about 80 people. Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad and Novgorod played a major role in the revival of the monastery during the Soviet years.
St. Panteleimon Monastery is under the canonical jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople; its inhabitants are required to accept citizenship of the Hellenic Republic, which is given automatically upon entry into the monastery.
The monasteries of the Mother of God (Xylurgu), Stary Russik, New Thebaida and Kromnitsa are assigned to the St. Panteleimon Monastery.
Among the shrines of the monastery are a part of the Cross of the Lord, a particle of the stone of the Holy Sepulcher, the relics of the holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon, the blessed elder Silouan, particles of the relics of John the Baptist, John Chrysostom, Joseph the Betrothed, the Apostle Thomas, St. George the Victorious, the Apostle and Evangelist Luke.
The monastery houses a unique library containing 1,500 Greek, 550 Slavic, 400 Russian, 43 foreign-language manuscript codexes and over 42,000 volumes of printed books.
In 2011, the then President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev proposed creating a board of trustees of the St. Panteleimon Monastery and establishing an international fund to support the monastery. The board of trustees included representatives of the Russian government and the Church.
