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Simon Petra Monastery
Simonopetra Monastery, also known as Monastery of Simonos Petra, is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in the monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece. It is situated in the southern coast of the Athos peninsula, between the Athonite port of Dafni and the monastery of Osios Grigorios. The monastery is a combination of three seven-storey buildings, built on top of a huge rock, 300 meters above sea level. The main building has been described as the most daring construction of the peninsula. The monks of Simonopetra traditionally count the floors from top to bottom, thus the top floor is the first floor and the bottom floor the last. Simonopetra ranks thirteenth in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries and celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of Christ.
The Holy Monastery of Simonopetra was founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon. According to tradition, Simon, while dwelling in a nearby cave, saw a dream in which Virgin Mary instructed him to build a monastery on top of the rock. The original monastery was called by Simon "New Bethlehem". In 1364, the Serbian despot Jovan Uglješa funded the renovation and expansion of the monastery with new buildings and a large portion of land.
During its long history it has been burned several times. It was first burned in 1580, resulted in the loss of valuable historical documents. This explains why we know so little about the Monastery during the Byzantine period. After 1581 the monks left the Monastery and settled temporarily in the neighboring Xenophontos Monastery. Rebuilding the monastery required consideration funds, so abbot, Evyenios, travelled to Wallachia in 1587 to raise money. Michael the Brave, Prince of Wallachia donated large amounts of money as well as land to the monastery.
Two more fires in 1622 and in 1891 caused further damage. Most of the monastery’s documents, books and manuscripts were destroyed in the fire, while the most recent fire burnt down the Katholikon and the library. After tremendous efforts by the monks in recent years to reorganize and enrich the library, the library now holds about 32,000 volumes of printed scientific books. The monastery was rebuilt after the fire of 1891 to its current form, with funds of the Russian Tsars. The katholikon is dedicated to the Birth of Christ and contains certain parts of the old building. The western building was erected, following the 1580 fire, while the eastern following the 1891 fire. The monastery nowadays features 8 chapels inside, 4 outside and 7 cells in Κaryes. The choir of Simonopetra has grown in reputation among Byzantine music specialists and enthusiasts with most popular Byzantine chant, Agni Parthene.
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
