Dormition of the Theotokos at the new catholicon of Xenophontos

Photographer

Horlbeck, Frank R.

Date

• June 5, 1999

Summary

• Interior view of the west wall in the nave of the new catholicon or communal church at the monastery of Xenophontos. This photograph shows the fresco of the Dormition of the Theotokos (i.e. Mother of God or the Virgin Mary). Christ receives the soul of Mary at the top portion of the composition while the angels and apostles surround the death-bed. The fresco work at the new catholicon is very recent in comparison with the rest of the building. The new catholicon was built between 1809-1819 and is the largest on Mount Athos. The monastery was founded in 998 by the Blessed Xenophon. Most buildings originally date to the constructions during the 11th century under the Abbot Symeon with the help of Emperor Nikephoros III (1078-1081) but have undergone renovations since.