Monks of Mount Athos

The Monks of Mount Athos are a community of Orthodox Christian monks residing on Mount Athos, a sacred mountain and peninsula in Greece. Known for their ascetic lifestyle, devotion to prayer, and spiritual discipline, they live in self-sustaining monasteries. Mount Athos is considered a spiritual center of Orthodoxy and has been inhabited by monks for over a millennium. Access to the peninsula is restricted, allowing only men, and permits are required. The monks emphasize contemplative life and maintain ancient traditions, focusing on personal and communal spirituality amidst their serene, isolated environment.