Xenophontos: A Monastery and a 14-Hour Vigil
On the west coast of Athos, between the sea and the hills, Xenophontos keeps one of the practices that defines the Holy Mountain — the all-night vigil, prayer that runs from dusk until the morning light.
Founded: 10th–11th century · Dedicated to: Saint George the Great Martyr
The Monastery of Xenophontos stands on the south-western shore of the peninsula, dedicated to Saint George the Great Martyr. Founded around the 10th–11th century, it holds a place among the twenty ruling monasteries and is known for its two katholika and its remarkable mosaics and icons.
The all-night vigil
The agrypnia — the all-night vigil — is the beating heart of Athonite prayer. On feast days the monks keep vigil through the whole night, chanting the services without pause until dawn. The fifth journey of the series films one such vigil at Xenophontos, fourteen hours of continuous prayer.
Mosaics and icons
Xenophontos preserves important Byzantine mosaic icons of Saint George and Saint Demetrios, among the finest surviving on the mountain, and its older church holds frescoes of the Cretan school.
In the series
Xenophontos is the setting of the fifth documentary — the fourteen-hour vigil, filmed as it unfolds through the night.
Frequently asked questions
What is an all-night vigil on Mount Athos?
The agrypnia — a service of prayer and chanting that runs through the entire night until dawn, especially on feast days; at Xenophontos the series filmed one lasting fourteen hours.
What is Xenophontos monastery dedicated to?
Saint George the Great Martyr.
Where is Xenophontos?
On the south-western coast of the Mount Athos peninsula.