Philotheou Monastery, Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos peninsula, Greece
Philotheou Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery on the Mount Athos peninsula in northern Greece. It consists of a walled compound with a main church, several smaller chapels, and residential buildings arranged around a central courtyard.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century, making it one of the older communities on the Athos peninsula. During the medieval period, it received financial support from Georgian kings who funded building work within the compound.
The monastery is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and its katholikon was painted with frescoes in 1752. Its best-known treasure is the double-sided icon of the Virgin Glykophilousa, the "Sweet Kissing", showing the Mother of God embracing the Christ Child, with the Crucifixion on the reverse. The monks also keep the incorrupt right hand of John Chrysostom, and the community follows the teaching of Elder Joseph the Hesychast.
Access to Mount Athos is restricted to men who must obtain a special permit called a diamonitirion before visiting. The path to the monastery crosses hilly terrain, so sturdy footwear and enough water for the walk are worth planning for in advance.
The monastery preserves an icon of the Virgin Mary that, according to local tradition, was thrown into the sea during a period of icon destruction and resurfaced centuries later on the shores of Athos without damage. This icon draws pilgrims from across the Orthodox world who come specifically to venerate it.
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