Narthex of the new catholicon at Xenophontos

Photographer

Horlbeck, Frank R.

Date

• June 5, 1999

Summary

• Interior view of the new catholicon or communal church at the monastery of Xenophontos. The photograph depicts the entrance into the main portion (nave) of the church. Depicted above the entrance is St. George (obscured by the lighting fixture). This photograph shows the changes made since the 1980s. The frescos of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and Christ flank the doorway. The new catholicon was built between 1809-1819 and is the largest on Mount Athos. The painting program in this church is new. 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.