New Athos Monastery began to function since 1874. At that time, the tsarist government gave the monks of the Russian Panteleimon monastery from Greek Athos not only a place for New Athos, but also huge financial assistance. The chosen place was not accidental. According to some stories, here in the 1st century AD e. Christian Simon Kananit was killed by Roman soldiers. In the Western Caucasus, he preached Christianity. But essentially, the mountain also serves as a reminder of the old Athos.
general information
New Athos Monastery in Abkhazia (photos, history and description can be found in this article) is a man’s monastery located in the city of New Athos near Mount Athos. The monastery began to function since 1874. The famous architect of the city of St. Petersburg N. N. Nikonov made a project for the construction of the church building. And Tsar Alexander 2 legalized the activities of the New Athos Monastery with a charter in 1879. The monastery is considered the most magnificent work of Neo-Byzantine style in Abkhazia. There are six temples in the male complex. The most pompous of all the buildings of the monastery is the cathedral dedicated to the great martyr Panteleimon. In the northwestern part there is a 50-meter bell tower, and under it there is a refectory decorated with frescoes.
How to get there?
To look at the architectural feature of Abkhazia, you need to drive 8 km from Adler to the border post that separates the territory of Russia and Abkhazia near the Psou river. After passing the entire procedure established by the states of control (citizens can present their Russian passport), you can find yourself in front of the area from where a large number of scheduled and fixed-route vehicles depart. As a rule, there are inscriptions on the windshield indicating the direction of transport. Using the services of private taxis, you can quickly get to anywhere in Abkhazia, but much more expensive than by regular bus.
Stop "New Athos"
Arriving in the city, you can ask the locals for directions, and they will be happy to tell you in which direction you need to go to the monastery. Everything is at a distance accessible to pedestrians, as the city is small. Resting in the Sochi region, you can contact the travel agencies that provide interesting excursions to New Athos. If you have a personal car, you can drive along the Sukhumi highway, cross the border, after 85 km there will be New Athos.
The history of the monastery
Since ancient times, the Panteleimon Monastery was located on the territory of Greek Athos. Its history is not simple, since the monks have more than once experienced a different need and fought against the attackers. And in 1874 the monastery was completely on the verge of closure. At this time, there was a struggle for parishioners between the Greek clergy and the Russian. So, the Greeks made an attempt to take Russian monks from the Panteleimon monastery in general to an uninhabited island. To gain protection from the treachery of the Greeks, Archimandrite Macarius turned to the tsarist authorities of Russia. For a new monastery, he asked the government for a plot of land near the Black Sea. The response was the decree of the tsar on the allocation of 327 acres of land for the Panteleimon monastery in the territory of Abkhazia. In addition, they were given the ruined temple of Simon Kananita and allowed fishing in the Psyrtsha River. In addition to all this, a huge amount was given in addition to the construction. From this began the life and history of the New Athos - Simon-Kananitsky monastery.
The name of the monastery
Many people wonder where the name comes from: a monastery named after the famous Christian Simon Kananit or Zealot (a zealot). Some argue that this follower of Christ told evangelical teachings on Abkhazian soil, and right there he was tortured to death by Roman pagans in 55 AD. Some believe that it was at his wedding that Jesus Christ himself performed his first miracle by turning water into wine, but in fact the Bible says differently.
Construction of an architectural church complex
Peace and order continued in the monastery until 1924. Since that time, it was closed by the new government due to, so to speak, counter-revolutionary agitation. At first it was desolate, but then, when tourism became more and more popular, a tourist base was located in the monastery. In the Panteleimon Cathedral , a museum of historical and regional studies was opened. All this was a salvation from the complete destruction of the complex. But without housekeeping support, the power plant stopped working, an amazing seven-grain hydraulic system began to swamp, overgrown gardens and orchards. The Abbot's house was destroyed and plundered, and in his place a cottage for Stalin was built. Beria, who was from Sukhumi, also immediately tidied up a piece of land for himself to build his house. And during the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict in 1992-1993, a military hospital operated at the monastery.
Monastery today
Since 1994, the monastery returned to its previous destination, and the sound of bells began to ring over New Athos. Life began again in the monastery, and religious ceremonies were held here. And again many pilgrims, tourists, travelers began to come to the monastery. In 2008, thanks to the assistance provided by the Russian government, huge renovations of this amazing landmark and the pride of architecture were carried out. And since 2009 there has been an update of the domes. The government allocated a colossal amount of money for the construction in due time, and now for its reconstruction. Since 2011, the government of Abkhazia has officially transferred the monastery complex of the Abkhaz Orthodox Church to official use. Since this year, the monastery, which has suffered a lot of suffering, is essentially considered to be the chair of the noncanonical "Holy Metropolis of Abkhazia", in other words, it is considered the center of schismatics.
For this reason, those who come to the monastery and consider themselves to belong to the Russian Orthodox Church are asked not to take part in general religious rites. Such a situation is a relic of complex political, economic, and religious relations. But in any case, everyone can look at least at the photo of the New Athos monastery. And to see firsthand the attraction born of the forces and means of Russia of the 19-20th century, it is absolutely necessary. New Athos Monastery is 120 years old. It is part of an incredible mountain landscape and for many years continues to amaze with the splendor of the architectural style.
Pilgrimage
Many pilgrims still have the hope that once the former monastery complex will return to its former glory, dawn and prosperity, which were during the reign of the Russian emperors Alexander 3 and Alexander 2. This architectural complex was admired not only by many government officials in Russia, but also by workers in culture and art, many foreigners. And the city of New Athos itself, although it is not rich in generally accepted places for entertainment (there is no abundance of discos, bars, clubs, beach animators), it does not have an abundance of tourist service, but you should not bypass it with your attention. By visiting these places, you can touch on the amazing cultural and religious heritage that was diligently created many years ago.
When and how can I visit the monastery?
You can admire the monastery not only from afar, but also view inside in accordance with the designated time. The shrines of the New Athos monastery helped many parishioners in their spiritual ailments. The amazing Cathedral of St. Panteleimon is open to all comers every week from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 18 hours. You can come here in the excursion group. But first you need to check with the tour desk whether the tour route goes directly through the monastery building, and also whether it is possible to go to the main cathedral.
It is important to remember one feature that the monastery has strict rules, so clothing should be appropriate. Shorts, transparent blouses or clothes with bare shoulders should be avoided, that is, all that is well suited for the beach, all this should be avoided. In addition, there are special requirements for women. They must enter the monastery with their heads covered. And also do not forget about the length of the skirt. It should be long. Those who want to take pictures or shoot on video need to ask permission from the ministers of the monastery, but, as a rule, shooting is possible if the sacrament does not occur.
For believers, the main shrine of the New Athos Monastery (Abkhazia) is considered a miraculous cross with a small part of the tree of the Holy Cross of the Lord.