Iconostasis at the Agiou Pavlou catholicon

Photographer

Horlbeck, Frank R.

Date

• June 22, 1983

Summary

• View of the iconostasis (icon screen) inside the main catholicon (communal church) at the Agiou Pavlou monastery. The photo is taken in the nave looking toward the iconostasis (or icon screen) separating the altar from the nave. The catholicon was rebuilt in 1839-1844 with marble revetments and columns on the interior. It includes two side chapels inside: one dedicated to St. George and the other to St. Paul. The Agiou Pavlou (or St. Paul’s) monastery is located on the south-western tip of the Athonite Peninsula. According to tradition, it was founded by Paul of Xerapotamos in the 10th century. The earliest documentary evidence of the monastery’s status, a chrysobull of Michael VIII Palaiologos, dates to 1259. The north side was built in the 15th century, and it includes a watchtower that dates to 1521. The dining hall (trapezon) was renovated in the early 18th century. Most of the other buildings were rebuilt or added in the 19th and 20th centuries.