Saint Panteleimon: The Russian Monastery of Athos
With its green onion domes and the largest bell on the mountain, Saint Panteleimon — the Rossikon — is the heart of Russian Orthodox monasticism on Athos, a vast monastery rising straight from the western shore.
Founded: 11th century · Dedicated to: Saint Panteleimon
Saint Panteleimon, known as the Rossikon, stands on the south-west coast of the peninsula. Russian monastic presence on Athos goes back to the 11th century; the monastery grew enormously in the 19th century, when it housed thousands of monks and became the great centre of Russian spirituality on the Holy Mountain.
Domes and bells
Its green onion domes and immense bell-tower set it apart from every other monastery on Athos. The great bell is among the largest in the Orthodox world, and its sound carries far along the coast.
A monastery of nations
Though Russian in character, Saint Panteleimon has always belonged to the common life of Athos, holding nineteenth place among the twenty ruling monasteries and keeping relics venerated across the Orthodox world.
In the series
The ninth journey of the documentary — the story of the convert who became the monk Vasileios — passes through the north-eastern monasteries near Karakallou and touches the Russian presence on the mountain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rossikon?
The Monastery of Saint Panteleimon, the great Russian monastery of Mount Athos, on the south-west coast of the peninsula.
Why is Saint Panteleimon famous?
For its green onion domes, one of the largest bells in the Orthodox world, and its role as the centre of Russian monasticism on Athos.
How old is the Russian presence on Athos?
Russian monks have lived on Mount Athos since the 11th century.