The New Athos Monastery began functioning in 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 Zeanite was killed by Roman soldiers. In the Western Caucasus, he preached Christianity. But in fact, the mountain also serves as a reminder of the old Athos.
General information
New Athos Monastery in Abkhazia (photo, history and description you will find in this article) - a monastery, which was located in the city of New Athos near Mount Athos. The monastery started functioning in 1874. The well-known 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 activityNew Athos Monastery for men by charter in 1879. The monastery is considered the most majestic work of the neo-Byzantine style in Abkhazia. There are six temples in the men's 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 features of Abkhazia, you need to drive 8 km from Adler to the border post that separates the territory of Russia and Abkhazia near the river Psou. After going through the entire procedure of control established by the states (citizens can present their Russian passport), you can find yourself in front of the square, from where a large number of scheduled and route vehicles leave. 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 a regular bus.
Stop "New Athos"
When you arrive in the city, you can ask the locals for directions, and they will be happy to tell you which direction to go to the monastery. Everything is within walking distance, as the city is small. Resting in the Sochi region, you can contact 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 a NewAthos.
History of the monastery
On the territory of the Greek Athos there was the Panteleimon Monastery for a long time. Its history is not simple, since the monks more than once had to endure various needs and fight against the attackers. And in 1874 the monastery was completely on the verge of closing. At this time, there was a struggle for parishioners between the Greek clergy and the Russians. So, the Greeks made an attempt to take the Russian monks from the Panteleimon Monastery to a desert island in general. In order 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 answer was the king's order to allocate 327 acres of land for the Panteleimon Monastery in the territory of Abkhazia. In addition, they were given the ruined temple of Simon Kananit and fishing was allowed in the Psyrtsha River. In addition to all this, a huge amount was given additionally for the construction. This was the beginning of the life and history of the New Athos - Simono-Kananitsky Monastery.
Monastery name
Many people wonder where such a name comes from: a monastery named after the famous Christian Simon Zealot or Zealot (zealot). Some argue that this follower of Christ told the gospel teachings on the Abkhazian land, and right there he was tortured to death by the Roman pagans in 55 AD. Some believe that it was at his wedding that Jesus Christ himselfperformed his first miracle by turning water into wine, but the Bible actually says otherwise.
Construction of an architectural church complex
Peace and order continued in the monastery until 1924. From that time on, it was closed by the new government due to, so to speak, counter-revolutionary agitation. At first, it was in disrepair, but then, when tourism became more and more popular, the tourist base was located in the monastery. A museum of local history was opened in the Panteleimon Cathedral. All this was a salvation from the complete destruction of the complex. But without the support of the owner, the power station stopped working, the amazing seven-lake hydraulic system swamped, vegetable gardens and orchards overgrown. The hegumen's house was destroyed and plundered, and a dacha for Stalin was built in its place. Beria, who was originally from Sukhumi, also immediately took 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 former purpose, and bells began to sound over New Athos. Life began again in the monastery, religious rites began to be 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 were carried out on this striking landmark and architectural pride. And since 2009 it has beendome renovation. The government allocated a colossal amount of money for the construction at one time, and now for its reconstruction. Since 2011, the government of Abkhazia has transferred the monastery complex to the Abkhaz Orthodox Church for official use. Since this year, the monastery, which has suffered a lot of suffering, is in fact considered the chair of the non-canonical "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 be members of the Russian Orthodox Church are asked not to take part in common religious rites. This situation is a relic of complex political, economic and religious relations. But in any case, everyone without exception can look at least at the photo of the New Athos Monastery. Yes, and to see with your own eyes the landmark, born by the forces and means of Russia in the 19-20th century, is a must. The New Athos Monastery is already 120 years old. It is part of an incredible mountain landscape and continues to amaze with the splendor of its architectural style over the years.
Pilgrimage
Many pilgrims still have hope that one day the monastery complex will return to its former glory, dawn and prosperity, which were under the reign of the Russian emperors Alexander 3 and Alexander 2. This architectural complex was admired not only by many government officials of Russia, but also workers of culture and art, many foreigners. And the city of New Athos itself, although 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 services, but you should not bypass it with your attention. By visiting these places, you can touch the amazing cultural and religious heritage that was painstakingly created many years ago.
When and how can I visit the monastery?
You can admire the monastery not only from afar, but also look inside in accordance with the designated time. The shrines of the New Athos Monastery helped many parishioners in mental illness. The striking Cathedral of St. Panteleimon is open to everyone every week from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 18 hours. You can come here in a group tour. But first you need to check with the tour desk whether the excursion route passes directly through the monastery building, and whether it is possible to go to the main cathedral.
It is important to remember one feature that the monastery has strict rules, so the clothes must be appropriate. Shorts, sheer blouses, or off-the-shoulder clothing should be avoided, that is, everything that is well suited for the beach, all of which should be avoided. In addition, there are special requirements for a woman. They must enter the territory of the monastery with their heads covered. And also do not forget about the length of the skirt. It must be long. Those wishing to take photographs or videotape should ask permission from the monastery staff, but as a rule, filming is possible if the sacrament does not take place.
For believers the main shrine of New Athosmonastery (Abkhazia) is considered a miraculous cross with a small part of the tree of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.
