Wisdom from the Holy Mountain: Life Lessons from the Monks of Mt. Athos

By Steven Michael Rakes

The author has traveled to Holy Mt. Athos in Greece on several occasions spanning 14 years. On those visits, many hours were spent in discussion and reflection with the monks. As a pilgrim to a holy sight, the author was able to ask questions and learn from the monks. Many topics were covered and the advice and wisdom was recorded for the reader to enjoy. Travel to the Holy Mountain is not easy. This book offers a glimpse of the life of the monastics and reflects the wisdom imparted to the visitors. Mt. Athos is a republic with its own government and leadership. Only men are allowed to visit. The monastic fathers refer to Mt. Athos as the garden of the Theotokos (Birth giver of God). The mission of the monks id to pray for the world and to give hospitality and rest to the many pilgrims who visit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667873879

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Copyright © 2022 by Steven Michael Rakes

Wisdom from the Holy Mountain:

Life Lessons from the Monks of Mt. Athos

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form

or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted

by copyright law. For permission requests contact the author at [e-mail]

Print ISBN: 978-1-66787-386-2

ebook ISBN: 978-1-66787-387-9

Printed in the United States of America

I dedicate this book to my dear wife, Popie,

who has supported me throughout my life

and has encouraged me to write this book.

She is my best friend and helpmate.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Happiness

Wisdom

Family Life

Marriage

Children

Obedience

On Balance

Worldly Life

Work

Prayer

Achievement

Passions

Charity

Watchfulness (Νειπσις)

Saint Porphyrios

Demons

Temptation

On Logismoi

Thoughts

Ascesis

Spiritual Life

Orthodoxy

Holy Relics

Confession

Syrian Desert Fathers and Syriac Imagery

Communion

Fasting

Evangelization

Faith

Sadness

Suffering

Prayers for the Dead

Joy and Peace

Stories Told to Us

Epilogue

About the Monks

Acknowledgements

About the author

Prologue

O

ver the past fourteen years, I have had the joy of traveling several times to Holy Mount Athos in northern Greece as a pilgrim. Mt Athos is a centuries old enclave of the Eastern Orthodox Church. There are 20 monasteries and various sketes, huts, and caves. The region is dedicated to the Mother of God and only men are allowed. The monks work, pray, and worship as a community. Pilgrims are allowed to visit and enter the life of the monastery. The Holy Mountain is for me a home away from home. I find peace and solace each time I visit. These trips have enriched my life and changed me as a person in Christ. I have traveled with friends as well as my two sons and my parish priest. Each of these visits was unique. When one travels to a place where prayer, worship, and spiritual struggle are the order of each day, a change occurs in the spirit and there is both growth and grace.

Traveling to the Holy Mountain is not a requirement or a necessity. One can come close to Christ and His Holy Church without ever spending time in monastic communities. I found that I was uplifted in a unique and special way by the fervor of the monks and the beauty of the worship. Many of the visits occurred during Pentecost. The worship during this season is particularly beautiful and moving.

While on the mountain, we stayed at the Iviron Monastery, and during these times we made visits to other monasteries and hermitages on the mountain. We were fortunate to spend many hours with the monks, and we had many discussions regarding spiritual life and human struggles. The monks met with us individually and as a group. We were allowed to ask questions and to inquire about the teachings of the Church. Our group was composed of fathers and sons from many walks of life. Dear friends were with me on these trips. The experience of traveling together to this holy place has made us all closer. Each monk spoke about matters that came up organically in group discussions. I made it my mission to take notes using notepads and my phone. It was a miracle to me that I was able to remember so much of what was said. I always believed that