For centuries, it has been washed by the waters of the Strymonian Gulf on the northeastern shores of the Athonian peninsula, 3 kilometers from the Chilandariou Monastery. Its existence dates back to the late 10th century, with a reference to Theodoros being the abbot in 998. There is also a written reference to the monastery in 1045 in the Typikon of Constantine Monomachos.
Its original name was Esphagmenou, likely related to Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, was sacrificed for the salvation of the world. It flourished in the 11th century and owned significant property in the Athonian peninsula. During this time, Armenian monks found refuge in the monastery, including a certain Theoktistos, who was the abbot in 1030 and later became the “First” on Mount Athos. The peak of Esphigmenou’s prosperity occurred in the 14th century, when the brotherhood numbered 200 monks, and its property amounted to 1200 modii (a measure of volume for grain). Among those who asceticized in its cells were Athanasius I, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Gregory Palamas, who served as abbot (1335-36) and attempted to introduce hesychasm into the monastery.
The monks of Esphigmenou systematically practiced the craft of fishing, using the traditional “taliani” and “thini.” However, the sea also brought the Aghareno pirates who repeatedly raided the monastery, culminating in its burning in 1534. Generally, the monastery’s history after the Ottoman conquest of Mount Athos remains obscure. However, in May 1821, the revolutionary leader Emmanouil Papas landed at its arsanas, bringing the message of the Revolution, which led to the monastery being turned into a Turkish military camp until 1832.
The Ascension of Christ is honored in the katholikon, which features eight domes. It was rebuilt in 1808, and the consecration took place in 1811 with the presence of the monastery’s benefactor, Gregory V. A special feature of the church is the vaulted, gilded, wood-carved iconostasis from 1813, as well as the curtain at the Beautiful Gate, which originates from a scene of the campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte. The frescoes were painted in 1818 by the hands of Benjamin, Zacharias, and Makarios, who hailed from Galati in Romania.
Text: Dr. Antonios G. Dikaios / Theologian – Environmentalist.
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