The Inner Monastery

Here are some pictures from inside the monastery:

The monastery is arranged somewhat like a castle, with high walls, an inner courtyard, and, as you see in this picture, a large watchtower. This design provided a protective structure to guard against the many invasions that afflicted the monasteries over the centuries.



This is the interior view of the monastery entrance. This was often my view when I sat in the courtyard reading, journaling, or talking with pilgrims.



The Katholikon (central church) is protected within the vast walls of the monastery. In addition to the Katholikon there are several chapels in various areas of the monastery grounds. I will talk more about the worship that took place here in a later post.



This is the room I stayed at in the guesthouse. It was actually quite nice and gave me a lot of privacy. Other than the fact that there was no shower (to which I had access), it was better than some of the hotels I had stayed in on the way!



My room connected to this balcony, which towered about 30 feet or so above the monastery gardens. I would often retreat here to read, journal, or contemplate while taking in the beautiful mountain scenery.



This is a view of the refectory (dining hall) from the guesthouse. The bell tower can be seen hovering above the monastery courtyard.




This is the Phiale which contains the Holy Water. The underside of the dome had some beautiful (but faded) mosaics of various events from the Scriptures relating to water.

All Saints through humility were elevated, honored, glorified, made wondrous and sanctified by God. If you take away humility no one would be a Saint. - Elder Joseph the Hesychast

As flower comes before every fruit, so exile of body or will precedes all obedience. On these two virtues, as on two golden wings, the holy soul rises serenely to heaven. – St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent.