Historical Testimonies of the Presence of Armenian Monks in Holy Mount Athos in 9^th–18^th Centuries

Abstract

Holy Mount Athos — one of the biggest centers of Orthodox monasticism, from the first days of its formation appeared to be the place of asceticism for Armenian monks as well. Thus, one of the first ascetics of Athos was St. Joseph Myroblyte (9th cent.) — Armenian by nationality. Further influx of Armenian monks to the Holy Mount is observed in the 10th and 11th centuries. The last testimony of activity of Armenian Hagiorites refers the second half of 18th cent. This article for the first time attempts to bring together and analyze historical evidences, in order to give a more general and a more comprehensive picture of Armenian monks’ presence in Athos from 9th to 18th centuries.

Keywords

• holy mount athos
• monasticism
• iveron
• orthodox armenians
• chalcedonian armenians
• armenia
• tayk