I’ve put this one off for several reasons, mostly to do with all the amazing things that happened there. Of the three monasteries I visited on Mount Athos, this was the most profound experience. Extremely positive, but it has given me a LOT to think about and work through. Some of the things I experienced I still can’t put into words, some is not for public consumption, and some I will share a bit of with you.
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t get nearly as many pictures here as I did of the others, primarily because so much was happening. Have you ever walked into a place and just instinctively known that this was a place things would happen? If so, that’s pretty much what I felt. I also felt oddly at home, safe isn’t quite the right word, but it’s close enough for now.
Vatopedi was founded in the 10th century, and has an extremely rich history. This gives a little bit of it, and it is well worth reading more. There are several miraculous icons and some awe-inspiring relics (and, yes, I was given the opportunity to venerate almost all of them). I want to avoid some of what Sarah A. Hoyt calls the “woo woo” but do need to share this. Not long after we arrived, I went to look around and do some prayers. Along the way, I chanced on the icon seen below, and then went up some stairs to a chapel above the main church where I venerated an icon you could feel the power rolling off. I spent twenty or so minutes in there praying for various people and things. I did not know the story of that icon at the time, but learned it later. The story of that icon is here, and I hope I never see that look on the Lord’s face directed at me. The icon below was put where the miraculous icon formerly resided.
I’m going to skip some of the amazing things that happened after that, but will share a small bit. I had wanted to partake of the Eucharist while there, and as such wanted to do confession. It worked out that to do so, I got up at 0300 and joined the monks as they entered the church to start morning prayers. I followed their lead, and was told that one of the monks would take me to confession in a bit.
This did happen, and what I will share is that the priest knew more about me than I had shared with him. It was one of the best confessions I’ve had in any church with no disappointment, guilting, and such that can happen (and has happened with both Catholic and at least one Orthodox priest). Instead, it was thorough, supportive, encouraging, and remarkably positive. My regular confessor is good, but this priest gave a master-class on how to do a good confession. Yes, I made mental notes. I also hope he is right on a couple of things he told me.
Afterwards, I went back to the church and re-joined the morning prayers. I wish there was some way to share what it was like as the sun came up and light began to fill the huge church dimly lit with candles and lamps. The beauty of it is not something you can easily catch with a camera, as rays from the rising sun begin to bounce off the brass and gold and stream down upon those within filling the church with a golden glow.
At a certain point, the crowd being so large, we broke up into groups and went to smaller churches located around the monastery. There, we finished the service and partook of the Eucharist. Then, we went to breakfast. Sadly, not long after that, it was time to leave. If I could go back right now, I would. I do hope that I can go back soon. More on this in a future post, as I have invitations to return to two monasteries for more extended stays.
If you would like to help me with this trip, seminary courses, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. I’ve added Cash App ($CliffPow7) and Venmo (@Clifford-Powers-5). There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.