Podcasts about Mount Athos

Slovenci Grčijo dobro poznamo in imamo radi, takoj za Hrvaško je naša druga najbolj priljubljena počitniška destinacija. Vendar običajno obiščemo katerega od številnih grških otokov, morda še Atene, Solun in Peloponez. Bolj vzhodno, proti polotoku Halkídika, zanese predvsem poznavalce in tiste, ki znajo ceniti manj oblegane, a prav tako zelo lepe plaže in vedno zeleno naravo. Vzhodna Halkídika je raj za ljubitelje pohodništva in zgodovine, tu je bil rojen veliki mislec Aristotel, mnoge privabijo tudi skrivnostni samostani na polotoku Mount Athos. Zadnjih 15 let pa v tem času na Vzhodno Halkidiko vabi tudi kulinarični festival Kouzina. Pretekli konec tedna so program festivala namenili medu in ob svetovnem dnevu čebel jih je skupaj s slovenskimi čebelarji obiskala Andreja Čokl.

'Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness — leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighboring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy — that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was a benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, obedience, and peace-loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honor by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight of the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.' (Great Horologion)

Ouzo Talk journeys to the historic and holy peninsula of Mount Athos for episode 80 to discover the history, relics, Saints and mystique behind this unique monastic community. From the belt of the Virgin Mary and the hand of Mary Magdalene, to stories of a far-right, anarchist Monastery in the area, this is a must-listen. With renowned academic Vasilias Adrahtas as our guide, Tom and Nick are left in awe of the significant relics and stories that have graced this small – but significant - part of the North of Greece for over a millennium.Send us a text Support the showEmail us at ouzotalk@outlook.comSubscribe to our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OuzoTalkFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OuzoTalkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouzo_talk/

A Major thank you to the Eschaton Vigil for sponsoring todays stream. In this stream I discuss the eschatological prophecies of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos concerning the Antichrist, 666, the Great War and more. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. God bless But the Book! : https://eschatonvigil.org/product/prophecies-of-saint-paisios/ Superchat Here https://streamlabs.com/churchoftheeternallogos Donochat Me: https://dono.chat/dono/dph Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8JwgaHCkhdfERVkGbLl2g/join If you would like to support my work please become a website member! There are 3 different types of memberships to choose from! https://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Support COTEL with Crypto! Bitcoin: 3QNWpM2qLGfaZ2nUXNDRnwV21UUiaBKVsy Ethereum: 0x0b87E0494117C0adbC45F9F2c099489079d6F7Da Litecoin: MKATh5kwTdiZnPE5Ehr88Yg4KW99Zf7k8d If you enjoy this production, feel compelled, or appreciate my other videos, please support me through my website memberships (www.davidpatrickharry.com) or donate directly by PayPal or crypto! Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Logos Subscription Membership: http://davidpatrickharry.com/register/ Venmo: @cotel - https://account.venmo.com/u/cotel PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Donations: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com/donate/ PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/eternallogos Website: http://www.davidpatrickharry.com Rokfin: https://rokfin.com/dpharry Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/COTEL Odysee: https://odysee.com/@ChurchoftheEterna... GAB: https://gab.com/dpharry Telegram: https://t.me/eternallogos Minds: https://www.minds.com/Dpharry Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/W10R... DLive: https://dlive.tv/The_Eternal_Logos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dpharry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_dpharry

Questions Covered:  05:12 – There was a 1909 Pontifical Conference on Genesis that determined how to interpret creation. How and why has the Church's stance changed on this since then? 13:37 – What did Jesus mean “today you'll be with me in paradise” to the good thief when he descended into hell and didn't resurrect/ascend for a time after? 19:36 – How can the Church infallibly determine one's sainthood? 28:54 – What does the church say about the apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje? What happened there? 32:25 – Why are there holy people like St. Paisios of Mount Athos outside the Catholic Church? 35:25 – Is there one person in mind that God has for us to marry? 44:12 – How do we respond to the Protestant response that we don't need an infallible authority to proclaim the canon when it wasn't done that way historically? 50:30 – I'm doing the Seven Sorrows Rosary; one of the mysteries is the Flight into Egypt. Can you give me more context about this to help me appreciate it more? …

Season three of Ouzo Talk comes to an end in a flurry of Tsipouro and meat, as the boys welcome back Stavros and Foti in pursuit of the world's best Tsipouro. Raki or Tsikoudia. With 20 bottles to choose from, plus piles of 'kontosouvli' to keep their stomach's lined, this is the season finale to end them all! Which Tsipouro will triumph? Tune into find out!A huge thanks to all of our listeners for your support during season 3 of Ouzo Talk, and we look forward to bringing you season 4 from early next year!This episode of the podcast is brought to you by:St Nicholas Senior Care Centre, Punchbowl: https://acare.au/The Greek Providore: https://thegreekprovidore.com.au/Send us a text Support the showEmail us at ouzotalk@outlook.comSubscribe to our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OuzoTalkFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OuzoTalkFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ouzo_talk/

Today Fr. Harry talks with Fr. Anthony about his pilgrimage to Mount Athos, focusing on the transformative possibility given to us by deep liturgical traditions.

"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine Empire, Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.   "When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them. Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)

Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/306z2Ezv6MwDr. Pete Patitsas (  @theathosdietdrpete2600  ) is an emergency medicine physician who, after visiting Mount Athos, took to a rigorous study of the monks diets. What he (re)discovered was a diet that allowed for weight loss, lots of energy, and an abundance of health. He would later transform his research into 'The Athos Diet.' Discover more about the Athos Diet here: https://www.theathosdiet.com/✒ Find articles, John's novel, and even more Heavy Things Lightly at Substack: https://johnheersftf.substack.com/✈ Tailormade travel adventures in Europe and Africa: https://www.gratitude-travels.com/home

St. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia on Mount Athos discusses how to pray the Jesus Prayer and why it is "the key to the spiritual life" for every Orthodox Christian. A reading of _Wounded by Love_ p. 118-122

What separates the Orthodox Church and the various Non-Chalcedonian churches? Is it merely semantics and misunderstandings, as some today proclaim? The Holy Monastery of Gregoriou on Mount Athos, in this 1994 treatise, gives a detailed examination of the issues and offers much for anyone interested in the truth of Christ, His Church, and the Non-Chalcedonian heresy.

Welcome to Maintaining Frame where we will be looking at a video by 60 minutes which explores the monastery of Mount Athos. Mount Athos is an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. The mountain and most of the Athos peninsula are governed as an autonomous region in Greece by the monastic community of Mount Athos, which is ecclesiastically under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The remainder of the peninsula forms part of the Aristotelis municipality. Women are prohibited from entering the area governed by the monastic community by Greek law and by religious tradition.

In late August of 2024, Conrad Franz (of the World War Now podcast) and I were part of a small group of Orthodox Christian pilgrims who traveled to Mount Athos with Father Peter Heers. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and in this episode, we detail our trip along with a slideshow of pictures and videos. Mt. Athos has been the heart of Orthodox Christianity for over a thousand years. I hope this episode gives you some perspective and good insight as to what it is all about and what it was for us! For more of Conrad's great content, go here:   Sponsor: Expat Money Summit:   Donate to the show here: Visit my website:  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: Leave us a review and rating on iTunes! Thanks!

Three accounts of St. Porphyrios' teachings regarding ecumenism and ecumenical meetings. —"Did he say nothing? Was he never asked by anyone about Ecumenism?" asked Prof. Tselengidis. —"But," replied the Saint's spiritual child, "he certainly was, Professor! Of course! He told us so... We used to ask him... And he said: 'Downright scum, spiritual filth.'" 0:00 Introduction 0:22 "Those Uniates, this Trojan horse..." 0:50 Ecumenism is "Downright scum, spiritual filth" 2:37 On Ecumenical Meetings, the Pope and Patriarch These teachings are found in the sources listed below and in the book "Love in Christ or Meta-Patristic Agapology?" by Archimandrite Savvas Hagiorite, published by the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Edessa, Greece (2023) with the blessing of Metropolitan Joel of Edessa.

Fellow soldiers in Christ's army: our weapons are fully sufficient to defeat our spiritual enemies. In this brief passage, St. Paisios re-awakens us to the power of Christ and His Cross. Reading from “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. 1: With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man”, p. 58-61 -BUY “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. I”: https://www.holycross.org/products/with-pain-and-love-for-contemporary-man-elder-paisios?srsltid=AfmBOooG0oxZfwjniLoIMF1LXDQHdMBKr8W6eXoQxM2xf-AEqHLNx31u -BUY the Life of the saint: "Saint Paisios of Mount Athos": https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/saint-paisios-of-mount-athos -LISTEN to my playlist "St. Paisios - Teachings and Prophecies" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzFKi22k2KYiSgEA_N0bQIIeUFas-lw_P -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ ______ —Geronda, my thoughts tell me that now more than ever the devil has great power. —The devil has malice and hatred but he does not have power. It is God's love that is all-powerful. The devil tries to appear powerful but he can't make it. He appears strong but in reality he is powerless. Many of his destructive schemes fail even before they start. Would a good father ever allow a few young hoodlums to bully his children? —Geronda, the demons scare me. —What are you afraid of? The devil has no power. Christ is All-powerful. The tempter is rotten. Don't you wear a cross? The devil's weapons are weak. Christ has armed us with His Cross. Only when we abandon our spiritual armour is the enemy strong. An Orthodox priest had only to show a small cross to a sorcerer and the demon he had invoked started trembling. —Why is the devil so afraid of the Cross? —Because when Christ received the spitting, the blows and the beatings, the kingdom and the power of the devil were crushed. How wonderful is the way in which Christ defeated the devil! The devil's dominion was crushed with a reed," used to say a Saint. When Christ was given the last blow with a reed, at that very moment, the devil's power was destroyed. In other words, patience is our spiritual defence and humility our greatest weapon against the devil. _______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!

We continued our reading of the Evergetinos this evening with hypotheses 19 and 20. Once again we find ourselves considering the fathers' teaching on eating and our use of food. Part of the reason they spend so much time on this subject is because they understand the meaning that food has for us as human beings and that it often goes well beyond that of nourishment. We come into this world and our first and earliest experience is that of being suckled; fed at the breast of our mother and thereby comforted. On a psychological level, food can continue to have this meaning. That is not necessarily something bad. There is a form of communion that we have with each other when we have a common meal. Indeed, this is why Christ gives himself to us as Eucharist. However, in our sin, the desire for food can be driven more by the emotional needs that we have in our day-to-day struggles. The fathers understood that the psychological reality affects us spiritually.  Over and over again, we can turn to the things of this world to satisfy the longing of the human heart that God alone can fill. Christ is the Bread of Life and he alone can nourish us upon his love. Thus the fathers, especially those who entered into the desert, became acutely aware of the need to be watchful of this bodily hunger. When we lose our watchfulness or when we relax our disciplines, once again we can move towards satisfying ourselves through the things of this world.  Food can become an idol. The monks understood that even in our religiosity we can be tempted to celebrate feasts in such a way that we cast aside all that was gained through fasting. What worth is it to fast 40 days of Lent then only to turn around and eat excessively for 50 days until Pentecost? The fathers also identified another danger. Our religious sensibilities and identity can be just strong enough that they lead us to want to maintain the illusion of holiness and discipline. The fathers warn us about the temptation to secret eating. Hiding the truth from others as well as from oneself only prevents repentance. In order to hold on to the illusion and false image of the self, we can destroy ourselves spiritually. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:16:18 Bob Cihak, AZ: P. 150   00:16:49 Lilly: Reacted to "P. 150" with ❤️   00:35:32 Forrest Cavalier: That earlier story was Evergetinos 11 in Volume 2.   00:39:02 iPhone: The YouTube channel is Athonite Audio. Audio books from the monks on Mount Athos   00:50:20 Forrest Cavalier: To know, love, serve in this life, and to be with him in the next   00:55:45 Ambrose Little, OP: Only the flamin hot ones, tho   01:07:16 Rebecca Thérèse: Is the real issue that the monk out of pride allowed people to think he was better than he was.   01:09:46 Fr Marty, AZ, 480-292-3381: I too often judge myself based on some preconceived results or image of what I or someone else should look like. Whereas, it sounds like the fruit of the soil that are my circumstances and weakness and gifts. God told Paul, where you're weak I'm strong. God can hide me in his own way that bears fruits that aren't necessarily visible results.   01:12:43 Nypaver Clan: Thank you, Father!   01:12:51 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You   01:13:22 Andrew Adams: Thank you, Father!   01:13:30 Cameron Jackson: Thank you Father.   01:13:33 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father   01:13:34 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you

Mount Athos is a mountain on the Athos peninsula in northeastern Greece where monastic communities have existed for a thousand years. The inhabitants live long and healthy lives. Their secret?According to Dr. Pete Patitsas, there is science to explain why religious traditions and wisdom have allowed the inhabitants of Mount Athos to live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s with little or none of the chronic diseases that plague Americans. Dr. Pete wrote The Athos Diet (TheAthosDiet.com) to give people a very low cost pathway to longer and healthier lives. The diet involves three pillars: intermittent fasting, a plant-based diet, and walking. As an emergency room physician, Dr. Pete says that 74-80% of diseases come down to diet and lifestyle that could be adjusted. Americans spend $70 billion every year on countless diets, but we lose our loved ones to diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and strokes. We are a nation of snackers engaged in constant consumption, and it is killing us prematurely.This episode explores the Athos Diet, a simple solution that will add healthy years to your life.

Tom Petsinis is a novelist, playwright, and poet. He was born in Macedonia, Greece, and immigrated to Australia as a child. He lives in Melbourne and works as a mathematics co-ordinator at Deakin University. He has published several collections of poetry, including Sonnets: Offerings from Mount Athos, My Father's Tools, Steles, Isolation, and Four Quarters, which won the Wesley Michel Wright Poetry Prize. His play The Drought was short-listed for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and won the Wal Cherry Award. His novels include The Twelfth Dialogue and The French Mathematician, nominated for both the New South Wales and South Australian Premier's Award. His recent novels are Fitzroy Raw and Fog. The Australia Council for the Arts has awarded him a Writers' Fellowship and a Residency at the B.R. Whiting Library in Rome. He also been a Creative Fellow at the State Library of Victoria and a writer-in-residence in Lavigny, Switzerland. Tom's work has been translated into several languages. His latest collection of poetry is Zero's Whisper and his latest play is Zorba's Last Dance.Dimitrios Koutsoukos is an actor with a diverse range of credits. Television and film credits include Kick, Neighbours, Noah's Ark, and Crackerjack. He has appeared in numerous short films, including Bulk Bill (VCA), Apply Yourself  (Art of the State) and Short Change (48 Hour Film Fest Award Winner). Beyond film and television, Dimitrios has performed in theatre productions such as The Greeks (La Mama Collaborations) and Heart Thy Neighbour (Melbourne International Comedy Festival). His training includes The Film Space, St. Kilda Acting Company, and Tony Nikolakopoulos' Kali Techni Theatre Company. He has served as the Co-Artistic Director of the Greek Australian Short Film Festival (GASFF).  Here, he reads extracts from Tom Petsinis's new play, Zorba's Last Dance, and also joins Tom Petsinis in reading poems from Zero's Whisper.Tom Petsinis's work is available here: https://scholarly.info/?s=Tom+Petsinis&post_type=productProduction and Interview: Tina Giannoukos  

https://t.me/athoniteaudio/6593 Against his will and at a very young age, young George finds himself in Tibet, "dedicated" to a Buddhist monastery by his grandfather. After fourteen years of devotion to the black arts and worshipping Satan, he finds himself on Mount Athos at age 16, where with the help of Saint Paisius, George learns to confront the forces of darkness with the power of Christ the Light.

Friday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. John the Iberian; a noble of southern Georgia, also called Iberia, and a military leader; went with his son, St. Euthymius, to Mount Olympias in Bethynia, and then to Mount Athos in Macedonia; there, he founded a monastery which endured into the 20th Century; died 1002 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 7/12/24 Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

All Conflicted fans know Aimen's life story – but what about that of his co-host, Thomas Small? Avid listeners will have heard Thomas talk about his Orthodox Christian faith and his time as a novice monk at a monastery on the Greek island of Mount Athos, but the story of how he got there, and why he decided to leave the brotherhood, is a fascinating tale… This week, Thomas and Aimen switch roles to find out more about Thomas' spiritual journey. We're putting out this episode to all of our dear listeners, because Thomas is releasing a new podcast over on Substack called ‘Life Sentences'. This is Thomas' attempt to introduce to the world the Church Fathers – the Christian writers, theologians, mystics and divines who wrote in the first 1000 years of Christianity. The podcast sees Thomas read out the texts of the Church Fathers and comment on them as he goes, making them relevant to today. It's a fascinating listen, and we hope all Conflicted listeners will tune in when the first episode goes live on Sunday July 14th. You can subscribe and find out more about the podcast through the website at: https://wisdomreadings.substack.com/  To listen to more bonus episodes like this one, subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don't forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up to the Conflicted Community is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  And finally – Conflicted season 5 goes live next Wednesday on July 17th! Thomas and Aimen have been cooking up a whole new season on… Africa. Tune in next Wednesday for the first episode. Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Published by: Holy Monastery "Evangelist John the Theologian" - Souroti, Thessaloniki, Greece PART ONE: THE WAR OF THOUGHTS Chapter One: Good and Evil Thoughts Chapter Two: Blasphemous Thoughts Chapter Three: On Trusting Our Thoughts Chapter Four: The Struggle Against Thoughts PART TWO: RIGHTEOUSNESS AND INJUSTICE Chapter One: Acceptance of injustice Chapter Two: Excuses Turn Away God's Grace Chapter Three: Divine Righteousness and Human Righteousness PART THREE: SIN AND REPENTANCE Chapter One: Sin Tortures Man Chapter Two: Nurturing the Conscience Chapter Three: Observing and Knowing Our Self Chapter Four: Awareness of Our Sinfulness Moves God Chapter Five: The Immense Power of Repentance PART FOUR: THE EVIL FORCES OF DARKNESS Chapter One: Witchcraft and Sorcery Chapter Two: On the Possessed Chapter Three: The Terrible Deception Chapter Four: "The Deceivers and the Deceived" PART FIVE: THE POWER OF CONFESSION Chapter One: The Need for a Spiritual Guide Chapter Two: For an Effective Confession Chapter Three: The Spiritual Physician of the Soul Chapter Four: The Work of the Spiritual Father Upon Souls

Wednesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Peter of Mount Athos; first hermit to reside on Mount Athos is northern Greece; according to legend, he was a soldier captured by Muslims, and released through the intervention of St. Simeon; went to Rome, and received the monastic habit directly from the pope; took up residence on Mount Athos, where he remained for half-a-century; died in the Eighth Century Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/12/24

Our holy father Paisios the Athonite exposes the plans of the enemy and calls those who love the Truth, Christ Himself, to be aware and resist. Repent, receive the Mysteries, prayer fervently, since, as St. Paisios says, "Perhaps you, too, will live to see many of the signs written in the Book of Revelation." This text is found in “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. II: Spiritual Awakening” by St. Paisios, pp. 197-201 -BUY “Spiritual Counsels, Vol. II: Spiritual Awakening” by St. Paisios: https://www.holycross.org/products/spiritual-awakening-elder-paisios -BUY "Saint Paisios of Mount Athos": https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/products/saint-paisios-of-mount-athos -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ A similar text from St. Paisios: "On Our Times" -READ: http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2015/06/on-our-times-st-paisios-of-holy-mount.html -LISTEN: https://youtu.be/0KIEmH-qt2Q ______ St. Paisios teaches: -Geronda, tell us something about the Antichrist. -Let us for once say something about Christ... We must be as close to Christ as we can. Will we be afraid of the Antichrist if we are united with Christ? Isn't the antichrist spirit present today? One way or another, evil is done by the antichrist spirit. And even if an antichrist monster is created to do some horrible things, in the end he will be ridiculed. But many events will take place. Perhaps you, too, will live to see many of the signs written in the Book of Revelation. Ecumenism, the European Union, one huge nation, one religion made to fit — these are the schemes of the devil. The Zionists are preparing someone to be the Messiah. For them the Messiah is a king who will reign here on earth. The Jehovah's Witnesses are also looking toward an earthly king. The Zionists will present someone and the Jehovah's Witnesses will accept him. They will say, "He is the one." There will be great confusion. In that confusion, everyone will be looking for a Messiah to save them. And then they will present some who will say, "I am the Imam, I am the fifth Buddha, I am the Christ expected by the Christians, I am the one expected by the Jehovah's Witnesses, I am the Messiah of the Jews." He will have five "selves"… Rather, the anticipated Antichrist will, in some manner, be the incarnate devil, who will present himself to the Jewish nation as the Messiah and will mislead the world. Difficult years are ahead; we will be tested very severely. The Christians will suffer great persecution. And, you see, people are not at all aware that we are living during the signs of the times, that the sealing is already advancing. -Geronda, do the Zionists believe what is said about the Antichrist? -They would like to govern the whole world. To achieve their goal, they will use even sorcery and satanism. -Geronda, when I hear about the Antichrist, I feel a fear inside of me. -What do you fear? Will he be more terrible than the devil? He is a man after all. Saint Marina used to beat the devil, and Saint Justina dispelled so many demons. After all, we didn't come in this world to have an easy life. ______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orthodox-wisdom/message

'Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness — leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighboring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy — that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was a benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, obedience, and peace-loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honor by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight of the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.' (Great Horologion)

'Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness — leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighboring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy — that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was a benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, obedience, and peace-loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honor by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight of the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.' (Great Horologion)

This short excerpt from Elder George's treatise discusses the characteristics of experiences of theosis, union with God, the true purpose of each and every human being. Elder George (Kapsanis), former Abbot of the St. Gregorios Monastery on Mount Athos who reposed in the Lord on Pentecost 2014, presents the Orthodox understanding of Theosis and the essential path towards receiving this divine gift. -READ "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life" by Elder George in many languages: http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/theosis.aspx -LISTEN to "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life - Part I" https://youtu.be/ReheAcnRPmU -READ a reflection on the life and works of Elder George by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2014/07/fr-george-kapsanis-former-abbot-of.html -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ This recording is an excerpt from "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life - Part II" https://youtu.be/E5tLjZBrpS0 ______ Elder George teaches: If man cannot be deified with divine Grace and divine energies what purpose does his life have? Only that he becomes morally better. But moral perfection is not enough for man. It is not enough for us simply to become better than before, simply to perform moral deeds. We have as our final aim to unite with holy God Himself. ______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orthodox-wisdom/message

This short excerpt from Elder George's treatise explains the qualifications for attaining the true purpose of each and every human being: union with God, or Theosis. Elder George (Kapsanis), former Abbot of the St. Gregorios Monastery on Mount Athos who reposed in the Lord on Pentecost 2014, presents the Orthodox understanding of Theosis and the essential path towards receiving this divine gift. -READ "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life" by Elder George in many languages: http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/theosis.aspx -LISTEN to "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life - Part I" https://youtu.be/ReheAcnRPmU -READ a reflection on the life and works of Elder George by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2014/07/fr-george-kapsanis-former-abbot-of.html -FIND an Orthodox parish and monastery near you: https://orthodoxyinamerica.org/ This recording is an excerpt from "Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life - Part II" https://youtu.be/E5tLjZBrpS0 ______ Elder George teaches: If man cannot be deified with divine Grace and divine energies what purpose does his life have? Only that he becomes morally better. But moral perfection is not enough for man. It is not enough for us simply to become better than before, simply to perform moral deeds. We have as our final aim to unite with holy God Himself. ______ Orthodox Wisdom is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orthodox-wisdom/message

Join Bobby Maddex, Jerry Minetos, and Samuel Heble as they journey to Greece to experience firsthand the monasteries, sketes, and churches of both Thessaloniki and Mount Athos. In partnership with Orthodox Tours, the three travelers—all employees of Ancient Faith Ministries—present listeners with the highs and lows of pilgrimage, as well as what they should expect on their own potential journeys to Greece and the Holy Mountain. For more information about Orthodox Tours, please visit orthodoxtours.com.

Join Bobby Maddex, Jerry Minetos, and Samuel Heble as they journey to Greece to experience firsthand the monasteries, sketes, and churches of both Thessaloniki and Mount Athos. In partnership with Orthodox Tours, the three travelers—all employees of Ancient Faith Ministries—present listeners with the highs and lows of pilgrimage, as well as what they should expect on their own potential journeys to Greece and the Holy Mountain. For more information about Orthodox Tours, please visit orthodoxtours.com.

St Gregory Palamas: This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359. His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today. Apolytikion Plagal Fourth Mode O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved. Kontakion Fourth Mode Holy and Divine instrument of wisdom, bright and harmonious trumpet of theology, with one voice, we praise you, O Gregory, preacher of God. Since your mind now stands before the First Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, that we may cry to You, "Hail Herald of Grace."

This is a teaser of the bonus episode, "Xerxes Invasion" found over on Patreon.Step back in time with us and uncover the epic saga of Xerxes' colossal invasion of Greece. Imagine inheriting a crown and a vendetta: that's exactly what Xerxes faced as he ascended to the Persian throne, but was he burning with the ambition to subjugate all of Greece? As your guide through this march into history, I'll take you through the aftermath of the First Persian Invasion, revealing how initial Persian endeavours sowed the seeds for an even grander campaign. We'll scrutinize Xerxes' grandiose preparations for war, from manipulating Greek city-states to bend the knee through 'Medizing' to constructing monumental engineering marvels like the canal through Mount Athos and the bridge over the Hellespont. These efforts etched themselves into the annals of history, setting the stage for a conflict of legendary proportions.If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, HereSupport the show

"Simran helps  in the withdrawal of spirit-currents from the body. In Simran lies the seed that helps in the development of the soul." "Simran is  a weapon against all dangers. It acts as a  password to all  spiritual planes. It gives strength and sustenance to the body and mind during trouble and affliction, and brings the soul near the  Master." "The five holy Words are to be repeated mentally during  meditation." (Sant Kirpal Singh)   "I give you this advice only because if you will do Simran while you are doing any other work, when you sit for meditation you won't have to sit for a long time repeating the Names to bring your attention to the seat of the soul. As soon as you sit for meditation, within a few minutes you will go up." (Santji - Ajaib Singh Ji)   In Sant Mat, the Path of the Masters, simran is the art of repeating a name or names of God in one's mind (manas jap) for the purpose of Remembering the Divine -- Practicing the Presence of God. It is a way to remain spiritually awake in a world of slumber, a way to remain centered and focused instead of being thrown off-center by the influences of maya (illusion). In this Path of the Saints and Mystics this spiritual exercise of repeating or chanting spiritually charged Names of God is done not only in meditation practice, but as often as possible throughout the day as a way to spiritualize all aspects of life, inner and outer. In Sant Mat, the simran (remembrance) of worldly thoughts is controlled through the Simran (remembrance) of the Charged Names, repeated by a satsangi throughout the day and when sitting for meditation as a means of collecting the thought currents at the Third Eye Center; also used as a password to higher planes and protection from Negative Power influences. (Remembrance, Awakening to the Positive Power)    References, Subjects, and Sources Include: Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj, Baba Ram Singh Ji, Santji, Sant Kirpal Singh, The Sants of India, Mystics of the East, Path of the Masters, Radhasoami, satsang, Sant Namdev, Zikar in Sufism, Krishna, Bhagavad Gita, bhakti, Prayer of the Name, Jesus Prayer, Hesychasm, Mount Athos, Eastern Orthodoxy, Cloud of Unknowing, Tukaram, Tulsi Das, Dadu Dayal, Kabir (Guru Kabir), the Five Names (Panch Naam), Surat Shabd Yoga (Inner Light and Sound Meditation), third eye (seat of the soul), union with God, Lord of the Soul, Lord of Love, the Ocean of Love   In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami   James Bean Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts Sant Mat Satsang Podcasts Sant Mat Radhasoami A Satsang Without Walls Spiritual Awakening Radio Website: https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com    

Mount Athos is a most peculiar place with the ‘No Girls Allowed' sign permanently up and enforced. If you want to see more links, images and references then you can't go past the Destination: History website. Music: Tegan Finlay----------------*Not AI generated. All content is original.*

Published by Holy Cross Press, 1987 ISBN 10: 0917651448  ISBN 13: 9780917651441 Table of Contents: Chapter 1: First Impressions / Chapter 2: A Short Trip / Chapter 3: At the Monastery of Dionysiou / Chapter 4: I Become a Monk in Saint Anne / Chapter 5: My First Confession on the Holy Mountain / Chapter 6: Our Group As a Spiritual Nursery / Chapter 7: Scenes From the Life of our Kalyva --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Book available from publisher: https://svspress.com/wisdom-from-mount-athos/ Telegram episode: https://t.me/athoniteaudio/1666 Saint Silouan was a Russian peasant whose only formal education consisted of two winters at the village school. But on Mt Athos, rooted in a tradition reaching back to the very beginnings of Christian monasticism, he was taught of God and attained wisdom and spiritual maturity akin to that of the Desert Fathers. CONTENTS: 1. Of the Knowledge of God2. On Love3. The Soul's Yearning for God4. Adam's Lament5. On the Mother of God and the Saints6. We are God's children—we are in the likeness of the Lord7. On the Will of God and on Freedom8. On Prayer9. On Humility10. Concerning Peace and Grace11. Spiritual Warfare12. Thoughts on departing from this life --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Published by: The Holy Convent of the Evangelist John the Theologian, Souroti, Thessalonica, Greece. Contents: Father Tychon Elder Evlogios (the Disciple of Hadji-Georgis) Elder Pachomios (the Disciple of Elder Evlogios and Grandson of Hadji-Georgis) Father Seraphim, the Anchorite of Mt. Athos The Unknown Anchorite (Probably One of the Anchorites of Athos Who Live Invisibly Hieromonk Anthimos, the Fool-for-Christ The Prodigious Father Daniel Elder Cosmas from Holy Monastery of Pantocrator (the Wine Grower) Father Philaret, the Abbot of Holy Monastery of Constamonitou Elder Peter (Petrakis) Elder Augustine Father George, the Anchorite Elder Philaret Elder Ephraim "The Wretch" Elder Constantine, the Fool-for-Christ Father Savvas of the Monastery of Esphigmenou Elder Tryphon Father Cyril, the Ascetic and Abbot of the Holy Monastery Koutloumousiou The Hieromonk who was tormented by the Tempter because of a Prideful Thought The Strong-Willed Disciple The Devout and Obedient Disciple The Value of a Monk The Power of a Monk's Prayer The Power of the Komboschini (Prayer rope), of the Jesus Prayer --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Published by: Holy Monastery "Evangelist John the Theologian", Souroti, Thessalonica, Greece PART 3: Spiritual Bravery Chapter One: The Signs of the Times Chapter Two: Sacrifice Brings Joy Chapter Three: Bravery Is Born of Trust in God Chapter Four: For the Faithful, Martyrdom Is a Festival PART 4: Dependency Upon Heaven Chapter One: God's Providence For Man Chapter Two: Faith and Trust in God Chapter Three: Where Man Cannot Reach, God Provides Help PART 5: Spiritual Weapons Chapter One: Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon Chapter Two: Monasteries Are the Fortresses of the Church Chapter Three: The Deeper Meaning in Life --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Published by: Holy Monastery "Evangelist John the Theologian", Souroti, Thessalonica, Greece PART ONE: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOVE Chapter One: The Indifferent Generation Chapter Two: The Presence of a Christian Is a Confession of Faith Chapter Three: To the Pure All Things Are Pure Chapter Four: Actions With Prudence and Love PART TWO: STRUGGLE AND DEVOUTNESS Chapter One: The Good Fight Chapter Two: How the Devil Works Chapter Three: The Benefits of Good Fellowship Chapter Four: Devoutness Moves God Chapter Five: Self-Offering Provides Divine Oxygen Saint Paisios the Athonite (+1924–1994) was one of the most loved and revered Greek Orthodox Elders of our times. Living as a monk in the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos, Greece, he lived in the Kingdom of God even while on earth, and received many heavenly visitations. He lived in obscurity, giving himself over entirely to God, and God gave him to the whole world. During the last fifteen years of his life, he spent his nights in prayer and his entire days gathering human pain and spreading divine consolation. He guided, consoled, healed, and gave rest to countless people who took shelter in him. His sanctified soul overflowed with divine love, and his face radiated divine Grace. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Saint Porphyrios the Prophet - Witnesses - Volume 1     The holy, God-bearing and miracle-working Porphyrios Kafsokalivitis, founder of the H.M. of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Milesi, it was that great morning star and prophet of our generation. Through him, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our times was confirmed once again.    The plenitude of his virtues, his saintly way of life, his great and ample charismata (divine clairvoyance, foresight, prophetic gift, healing) distinguished him as a potent beacon of spiritual light that will guide future generations. His charismata will stay with him, in all their magnitude, until the end of his earthly life and will attest to his being a Temple of the Holy Spirit.    The number of testimonies regarding his profound prophetic charisma reveals the Saint's communion with God. Christ was a friend to him. Because he had immediate knowledge of Him, he was able to disclose His will about future events, weights are for all of us are unknown, dark and impenetrable. There is no doubt that the Saint progressed rapidly through the stage of catharsis and reached enlightenment, attained theosis (godliness), theoria (vision of God) and Perfecting.    He experienced divine Grace to a great degree and inspired by the Holy Spirit, "ran" to the future and foretold what was to come with a sense of responsibility, in order to build up the souls of men in Christ. From the first years of his spiritual service people called him prophet-priest.    We come across prophets in the New Testament as well, as in the Old. The concept of prophet is attributed also to the Disciples and the Fathers of the New Testament.    Saint Prophyrios reposed on December 2, 1991, according to the new calendar, the feast of Prophet Avvakum, and on November 19 according to the Athonite old calendar, the feast day of Prophet Avdiou. He is celebrated, as a Prophet himself, shortly before Christmas. (From the prologue of the book) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine Empire, Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.   "When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them. Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)

"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine Empire, Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.   "When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them. Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)

"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine Empire, Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.   "When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them. Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)

Translated & Published by: Holy Monastery "Evangelist John the Theologian" - Souroti, Thessalonica, Greece 2002. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

The Life of the Athonite Elder Philaret of the Holy Monastery of Constamonitou --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/athonite-audio/support

Kate Adie presents stories from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, Mauritius and Greece. When Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel from Gaza on the 7th October, over 200 of the people killed were foreign nationals. At least 30 of them were from Thailand, and at least 19 Thais are believed to have been abducted by Hamas. More than 25,000 Thai migrant agricultural workers living in Israel. Jonathan Head travels to north-eastern Thailand to meet returning survivors, and relatives of those still missing. This week marks 20 months since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For journalists reporting on the war, not to mention Ukraine's people, it can be a challenge to ensure the ongoing conflict continues to receive the world's attention. The BBC's long-serving Ukraine Correspondent, James Waterhouse reflects on the particular rhythm of covering this war. Last weekend, Argentina voted in its first round of presidential elections. The results surprised pollsters who had predicted an outright win for populist Javier Milei - a colourful candidate, whose ‘shock-jock' style has led to comparisons with Donald Trump. Instead, Mr Milei will face the country's incumbent economy minister, Sergio Massa in a run-off in November. In Argentinian politics, surprises are to be expected, says Katy Watson. Mauritius is among Africa's wealthiest nations per capita. However, its position in the middle of the Indian Ocean has made it an ideal hub for international drug traffickers. The country is now battling a growing drug epidemic, with young people particularly affected. Lorraine Mallinder reports. The Mount Athos peninsula in Northern Greece is one of Orthodox Christianity's holiest sites. The region is semi-independent from Greece, and sometimes referred to as a monastic republic. Women are banned from visiting, and only a small number of men are permitted entry each day. The monks who live here control their own finances, and Greece's money laundering authority has recently taken a critical look at Russian finances flowing into the monasteries. William Edwards makes a pilgrimage there. Producer: Viv Jones Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison (Image: Narissara Chanthasang, the wife of a Thai migrant worker in southern Israel, has had no news of her husband since Hamas militants stormed the country.)