Overview

• Simonos Petra monastery on Mount Athos hosts 65 monks from 14 countries, including China, the United States, and Lebanon, reflecting its ecumenical ethos.
• Founded in the 13th century by Saint Simon the Myrrh-bearer, the monastery has rebuilt after three major fires, the last in the late 1800s, and remains a Byzantine architectural marvel.
• Daily life at Simonos Petra follows centuries-old monastic rhythms, beginning with pre-dawn prayers and including tasks like farming, winemaking, and carpentry.
• The monastery integrates modern sustainability, using solar panels for electricity and cultivating its land to support self-sufficiency.
• Abbot Eliseos emphasizes Simonos Petra’s mission to unite people through shared faith and love, welcoming male visitors and fostering deep spiritual connections.