The Outer Grounds

Here are some pictures I took of outside the Monastery:

This is the view looking from the water. Notice the large crane and scaffolding at the front of the monastery. The EU has committed tens of billions of Euro for restoration work at Athos to preserve it as a treasure of heritage.




This is a view from the road in front of the monastery. In the distance you can see Stavronikita monastery.




I took this picture from a trail when I was hiking back to Karyes.






These two pictures are from the gardens surrounding the monastery. While Iveron doesn't grow all of its produce, its large gardens provide much of the food for the monks and pilgrims who visit.




This is a view from one of the gardens.




On the south side of the monastery this centuries-old bridge caught my eye. It was so beautiful and serene!

"My child... the world is vain, temporary. Don't be frightened by this struggle. A small resistance wins great crowns. Reflect on Heaven, think of what awaits you where you will go. Joy and delight unutterable! Only endure, be attentive to yourself, be ready. Give your heart to Christ. Love Him Who has loved you" - Ignatius the Confessor (counsel to an afflicted monk) from Contemporary Ascetics of Mount Athos Volume 2.

Flowers do not open in the icy winds of winter; they open in the warmth of spring. A man does not open his heart in the face of threats, but in a climate of love, where an atmosphere of trust has been created. And love is not sentimentality, but sacrifice. The saints love, and they demonstrate that God is our Father and that He is ecstatic love. – Archimandrite Vasileos (former Abbot of Iveron Monastery), from The Saint.