Nea Skiti: A Village of Hermit Cells
Not a walled monastery but a scattering of small cells down a steep slope toward the sea, Nea Skiti is where much of the hidden, hand-made life of Athos goes on — and where Elder Damaskinos chants the Vespers filmed in the series.
Founded: 18th century · Dedicated to: The Nativity of the Virgin
Nea Skiti — the 'New Skete' — lies on the south-west slope of the Athos peninsula, below the Skete of Saint Anne and under the authority of the Great Lavra. Founded in the 18th century, it is not a single monastery but a community of independent kalyves — small cells, each with its own chapel and a few monks.
A skete, not a monastery
In a skete the monks live semi-independently, gathering for the great services at the central church (the Kyriakon) but otherwise keeping their own rule in their own cells. It is a quieter, more hidden form of the monastic life.
The life of the cells
Nea Skiti is known for its icon-painting and craft, and for elders like Father Damaskinos, whose Byzantine chanting of 'Lord, I Have Cried' the series recorded — the clean, unbroken voice of Athonite worship.
In the series
The fourth journey ends at Nea Skiti, and a special film is given to Elder Damaskinos chanting there.
Frequently asked questions
What is a skete on Mount Athos?
A community of small, semi-independent hermit cells (kalyves), each with its own chapel, gathering for great services at a central church — a quieter form of monastic life than a walled monastery.
What is Nea Skiti known for?
Its icon-painting and craft, and elders such as Father Damaskinos, known for Byzantine chanting.
Where is Nea Skiti?
On the south-west slope of Mount Athos, below the Skete of Saint Anne, under the Great Lavra.