Difference between revisions of "Vatopedi Monastery (Athos)"

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type=Cenobitic Monastery|
 
type=Cenobitic Monastery|
 
founded=972 by Ss Athanasius, Nicholas and Antonius|
 
founded=972 by Ss Athanasius, Nicholas and Antonius|
superior=''|Elder Ephraim''|
+
superior=Elder Ephraim|
 
size=''unknown''|
 
size=''unknown''|
 
location=Northeast|
 
location=Northeast|

Revision as of 08:15, November 1, 2006

Holy Monastery of Vatopedi
Rank or attached monastery Second
Type of community Cenobitic Monastery
Founded 972 by Ss Athanasius, Nicholas and Antonius
Superior Elder Ephraim
Approx. size unknown
Location Northeast
Liturgical language(s) Greek
Music used Byzantine chant
Feastdays celebrated Annunciation

The Monastery of Vatopedi is one of twenty monasteries on the Mount Athos peninsula and is located on the northeastern side of the peninsula. It is second in hierarchical rank among the monasteries. The name of Vatopedi is derived from the flora of the surrounding countryside (‘‘vatos = shrub, ‘‘pedion = plain or ground).

The monastery was founded in 972 by three monks, Athanasius, Nicholas, and Antonius who were students of St. Anthanasius of Lavra and operates as a coenobium. The major parts of the monastery were constructed during the Byzantine period and then later during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when it reached its peak. The monastery is monumental in size with a tall wall in which the buildings are placed in triangular form.

The katholikon was built in the tenth century in the Athonite style. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The katholikon still retains some mosaics from the Byzantine period. There are nineteen chapels within and outside the monastery proper, with five within the katholikon. The Greek skete of St. Demetrius and the Russian skete of St. Andrew (Serri) belong to Vatopedi.

In addition to many relics, the monastery possesses a library of over 10,000 printed books and about 1,700 manuscripts.

External links