Iviron Monastery

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Iviron Monastery

The Monastery of Iviron was founded between 980–83 AD on the site of the former monastery of Clement by the Iberian noble monk, John Tornike. Prominent member of the royal court of Georgia, John and his son Efthimios were the first Georgians to come to Mount Athos. Together with other monks from Georgia, extended the old monastery and transformed it into a Lavra (big monastsery). It acquired its name around 1010 from the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Iberia (Iveria), homeland of John. Centuries later, apart from Georgians monks, many Greek monks arrived in the monastery. As a result, two seperate services used to take place in two different churches with different religious rituals.

During the 10th and 11th century many monasteries became dependent on Iveron. In 1259, it was destroyed several times, mainly by Frankish pirate raids and in the early 15th century suffered a complete financial collapse. However, the monastery managed to recover soon and by the end of the century become a Greek monastery. With the support of Georgian and Romanian princes, it flourished during the 18th century. Equally important was the support of the Ecumenical Patriarch at the same period. At the time of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the monastery gave its treasures to support the Struggle and was the place where the martyr Gregory V of Constantinople found refuge, when he was exiled. The convent suffered damages by two fires in 1740 and 1845 and was almost burnt down in 1865, however the Katholikon and the library survived.

Located in the center of the court, the katholikon (central church) was built in the first half of the 11th century and restored in 1543 by the Georgian abbot George Varasvatzes. It is a cross-in-square church, with side chapels added later, devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is decorated with murals dating from the 16th and 19th century. Besides the murals, equally notable are the famous and miraculous 9th century icon of Panagia (Our Lady) Portaitissa, the silver Russian light of the 18th century in the shape of a tree and the three precious chandeliers and iron railings. Across the church is the imposing bell tower and the dining room. The rest of the buildings on the yard form a quadrangle and include the monk cells, offices, the guesthouse and the library. The library has over 15,000 printed books and more than 2,000 parchment manuscripts and other codecs, including some parchment texts written in the Georgian language. In the courtyard of the monastery one can also find the chapels of Prodromos, Agios Nikolaos and the Archangels.

The Monastery of Iviron is located on the northeast side of the peninsula It is third in precedence among the Athonian monasteries and celebrates on August 15, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Since 1990 has been a coenobium and is undoubtedly one of the best monasteries to visit in Mount Athos.



Each day, 100 Orthodox and 10 non-Orthodox male pilgrims are admitted for a three-night stay in one of the peninsula's 20 monasteries. Clergy and those who have a special invitation from the monasteries are excluded. Because of the small number of non-orthodox permits issued, if you are planning to visit Mount Athos you should run the necessary procedures the earliest possible. Women are not allowed to enter Mount Athos by law, and there is a penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment for those who break it. Boys were not allowed in the past, but the policy has become more flexible over the years, and now boys can come if they're accompanied by an adult - usually their father.

To enter Mount Athos a permit is required for both individuals and groups. The permit is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate of Churches or by the Ministry of Northern Greece. Orthodox Greeks can apply by producing their identity card at the Athos Bureau in Ouranoupolis on the right side of the port. Diamonitiria (permits to stay as a pilgrim) are issued by the offices of the Athos Bureau, at Ouranoupolis. In order to get their diamonitirion visitors must show their identity cards and pay the sum of €25 for Orthodox visitors, €35 for non-Orthodox visitors or €18 for students. Foreign visitors also need a passport; if you are Orthodox but not Greek, you will need to prove this with a letter from a priest or a baptismal certificate. Foreigners can send an e-mail to athosreservation@gmail.com a photocopy of the request along with their passport. Once you have secured your accommodation, you will need to contact the monastery that you wish by sending a letter to the guest request.

Once in Agio Oros, you can travel around. The hospitality at the monasteries is provided free of charge. Bed and board are offered to the holders of the permit. If you are planning to visit Mount Athos you should bring with you long sleeved shirts, long trousers, flashlight, athletic shoes and a flashlight. Bear in mind that the monastery doors close by sunset. Mobile phones and photo cameras are allowed, but DO NOT photograph the monks. Video cameras are not allowed. Swimming in the sea or listening to loud music is not allowed either. Follow the ritual during lunch and dinner. Everyone, visitors and monks enter the dining room and stand upright in front of their seat. The Abbot prays, gives his blessing, a bell sounds, and everyone sits down to eat without talking to each other. A monk reads ecclesiastic texts and in about 20 minutes the bell sounds for the second time. If you have or you have not finished eating, you must get up, the abbot prays and after he finish you can get out of the dining room.

The Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau- Athos
Official Office
109 Egnatia str,
54635 Thessaloniki
Tel. for nationals +302310252575 Tel. for foreigners +302310252578 Fax +302310222424
Thessaloniki office hours: Monday-Friday 09:00 – 14:00, Saturday: 10:00 – 12:00