On the southwestern side of the Athos peninsula, along the coast towards the port of Dafni, is built the coastal architectural complex, arranged amphitheatrically. Its layout forms an irregular pentagon, with the defensive tower dominating next to the gate. The machicolations protected the entrance during the difficult years of pirate attacks. It has 5 floors and a height of 28 meters. On the ground floor, there is a reservoir supplied with water from the fountain at the base.
As the founder of the Docheiariou Monastery at the end of the 10th century, tradition recognizes Saint Euthymius, who was a disciple and coascetic of Athanasius the Athonite. He had served as a “dochiaris,” probably at the Great Lavra, which meant he was in charge of the food storage.
Researchers argue that the monastery was possibly relocated to a new site in the mountains between 1083 and 1108, and between 1083 and 1108, it was settled at its current coastal location. In the early 12th century, it was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The then abbot Neophytos, the second founder of the monastery, is credited with the construction of a larger katholikon and the raising of the defensive tower.
The difficult times of the pirate invasions in the 13th and 14th centuries followed the period of prosperity in the early centuries. The monastery was supported by the generous contributions of John V Palaiologos and the Serbian prince Stefan Dušan. The Ottoman occupation worsened the situation, but in the 16th century, support came from the ruler of Moldavia, Alexandru, and his wife Roxandra, who helped recover the monastery’s property from the Ottomans. It is noteworthy that, unlike the other monasteries, it never suffered the destructive consequences of a fire. However, during the Revolution of 1821, it lost all of its movable property. The tower was renovated in the early 17th century, and in 1660 it was recognized as a stavropegic monastery.
The katholikon is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The frescoes of the church were completed in 1568 and are attributed to the famous painter Theophanes. The base of the central dome is located 15 meters above the ground to illuminate the interior, due to its proximity to the wings. In the sacristy, the will of Abbot Neophytos, written on a precious veil, is particularly striking.
Text: Dr. Antonios G. Dikaios / Theologian – Environmentalist.
SHARETHE ARTICLE