«Mount Athos, for over a thousand years a centre for monasticism, has attracted pilgrims for nearly as long. This fascinating collection of essays discusses pilgrimage, the pilgrims, and the monks themselves. The Athonite ban on females has not precluded essays by women, testifying to the Holy Mountain's appeal, transcending geography.»

(Fr Andrew Louth)

Mount Athos is the chief centre of pilgrimage for Eastern Orthodox Christians. As the spiritual hub of the Orthodox world it is also home to more than two thousand monks. Each of its twenty monasteries welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year to venerate its holy icons, to make their confessions, and to listen to the wisdom of its elders. This book delves into the nature of pilgrimage, for both Western and Eastern Christians. It describes the pilgrim experience both from the standpoint of the visiting pilgrim (be it men to the Athonite monasteries or women to their daughter houses elsewhere) and from that of the receiving monk. What is it like to live the life of a monk or nun for a few precious days? And what is it like for the monks (and nuns) to receive literally thousands of pilgrims every year? And are they true pilgrims or are they really tourists? What is so special about Athos? This book will answer these questions.