Dochiariou: The Monastery of the Quick-to-Hear
On the green west coast of Athos, Dochiariou keeps one of the most beloved icons of the Virgin — the Gorgoepikoos, 'she who is swift to hear' — to which Orthodox Christians turn when they need an answer fast.
Founded: 10th century · Dedicated to: The Archangels Michael and Gabriel
Dochiariou stands on the south-west coast of the peninsula, founded in the 10th century and traditionally linked to a disciple of Saint Athanasios the Athonite who served as the monastery's 'docheiaris' — keeper of the stores — from which it takes its name. It holds tenth place among the twenty ruling monasteries.
The Gorgoepikoos
Its famous icon, the Panagia Gorgoepikoos — 'Quick to Hear' — is one of the most copied and venerated images of the Virgin in the Orthodox world, kept in a small chapel built especially for it. Pilgrims come with urgent prayers.
Frescoes and tower
The monastery's katholikon, dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, holds some of the finest frescoes of the Cretan school on the mountain, and its tall tower stands over the sea.
In the series
Dochiariou appears among the west-coast monasteries on the documentary's path along that shore.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dochiariou monastery known for?
The wonderworking icon Panagia Gorgoepikoos, 'she who is quick to hear', one of the most venerated images of the Virgin.
What is Dochiariou dedicated to?
The Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Where is Dochiariou?
On the south-west coast of Mount Athos.