Inner court of the cemetery at Philotheou

Photographer

Horlbeck, Frank R.

Date

• June 2, 1990

Summary

• Interior view of the cemetery church courtyard just north of the monastery of Philotheou. This is where the monks of Philotheou bury their deceased brethren and then collect their bones for storage in the charnel house. The monastery of Philotheou was founded in the 10th century by the Blessed Philotheos. Its benefactors included Nikephoros III Botaneates (1078-81), Palaiologan emperors Andronicus II, Andronicus III and John V, Stefan Dusan, Tsar Michael, Gregory Gikas, and others. The monastery has been renovated periodically. Major renovations were completed in 1540 with the help of the Georgian monarch Levan of Kakhetia and his son Alexander. The monastery suffered a devastating fire in 1871 and major repairs were done then as well. The catholicon (communal church) was rebuilt in 1746 with a painting program completed a few years later. Two side chapels (1754 and 1776) and the tower in the west side of the belfry (1764) were also added in the 18th century.