ROLE OF MOUNT ATHOS IN MEDIEVAL CHRISTENDOM

Abstract

In the Middle Ages, a monastery was the most important political and religiouscultural center in Christendom. These spiritual sanctuaries were the flag bearers of the national culture, devoting themselves to the political and cultural life of their country. Every self-respecting state aspired to have monastic centers beyond their borders. They were a kind of iconic landmark, a representative body, the reputation of the country at an international ecclesiastical level, so the authorities tried to expand their positions in those centers. Since Egypt and Syria were no longer the centers of monastic life in the East, Constantinople (and later, Athens) acquired such a role. (K. Pavliashvili). The Sixth World Council of Constantinople in 680 established the Athos Peninsula to be inhabited by monks scattered throughout the Greek archipelago, pursuant to Articles 18 and 42. The Emperor Constantine IV Pogonatus (668-680) approved a decree of the ecumenical council, relieved the monks of their duties imposed by the patriarch and subjected them to royal authority. Since then, Mount Athos has been known as the Republic of Monks. In the 10th-11th centuries, the monastic life on Mount Athos was well organized. Monks of different nationalities worked here, namely, Greeks, Georgians, Bulgarians, Russians and Serbs. Through the work of these monks, Mount Athos has become a pillar of Christianity.