Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast….the enemy never can take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlightening the understanding.
Revelations 3:11 and EG WHITE 1901
We are now in an area called Chalkidiki. Here is a tourist map and something I drew which gives the information a little differently.
This was taken looking from a tourist boat at least 500m from the land so as not to interfer with the life of the monks.
Only men can visit this area and then only if they make a full application. There were men and women on our boat with Monks coming on to our boat so that passengers could respectfully buy Icons from them.
Built in 1374 on top of a sheer cliff. In 1533 it burnt down and was rebuilt .
There are 20 monasteries, 17 Greek, one Russian, one Bulgarian and one Serbian.
The monks have their day divided into three equal portions these are for prayer, work and rest.
They work the land, craft and take care of themselves. Their surroundings are governed by a Continental and Mediteranean climate:
Mediteranean: olive trees, Holm oak and lentisk.
Subcontinental species: Chestnut, fir and pine.
Semi- desert plant: arboreal Euphorbia.
Animals : jackals, red fox, gray wolves and monk seals. Dolphins were swimming in front of our boat and the sea was teaming with fish.
Birds: golden eagles, black storks, Eagle owls, short toed eagles and sea gulls. The gulls were all around the boat in large numbers.
A place to absorb.
Here is a link to hear some sayings by monks a few of the sayings were written by Piasios of Mount Athos (1924-1994)
A lovely place.
Sandy 🙂
Absolutely beautiful!
Yes, it has been kept safe from cars and lots of people. Very natural.
Beautiful! I cannot imagine life as they live, such devotion and reverence.