Hierarch of the Greek Church: Athos – the laboratory of holiness

The true holiness and uniqueness of Athos is difficult to realize without ever having been to the Holy Mount. This was said by Metropolitan Chrysostom of Chalcis of the Greek Orthodox Church in his interview, writes AgionOros.ru.

"Holy Mountain is rightfully considered the "Garden of the Virgin". Athos is the laboratory of holiness. Here people who have abandoned the world and who wanted to be with Christ are struggling. For the sake of His love, they crucify their passions and desires every day.

The monks are consecrated and begin to bring light to those who with an open heart and apprenticeship attitude attend the shrines of Mount Athos.

Athos is a place consecrated by the presence of the Virgin and watered with the blood, sweat and tears of the Reverend Fathers. But mostly, Athos is a way of life.

For this reason, Holy Mount is a pole of attraction on a global scale, a beacon of Orthodoxy and our homeland, a beautiful radiant diadem. We must not forget how many people daily find hospitality on Mount Athos, how many rest in peace, confess, receive communion and begin a new life. How many people are commemorated in the prayers of monks on the rosary and in the divine services.

Monks fled to the desert not because of a lack of love and indifference to people, they show their love and sincere interest in their neighbor in a variety of ways daily," stressed Vladyka.