The Iviron Monastery, located on the eastern side of Mount Athos, is one of the most significant and ancient monasteries of the Holy Mountain, founded by Georgian monks. It holds the third position in the hierarchy of Athonite monasteries.
Before its establishment, in 782, the Georgians settled in a communal cell that later became known as the Precursor Skete. After some time, in search of a more suitable location, the monks descended to the sea and founded the monastery, which was named Iviron. Its construction was supported by David Kuropalates, a Georgian ruler.
The monastery faced external threats and losses. Since 1259, the monastery experienced numerous challenges, lost its independence, and became mired in debt. Salvation came only 100 years later when, in 1357, the monastery's status was changed from Georgian to Greek. However, Georgian monks continued to live there until 1955. In the early 20th century, they established their own community at the St. John the Theologian Skete.
The monastery resembles a strong fortress, surrounded by moats and battlements, with a central tower housing the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The entire complex was reconstructed in the mid-19th century. It includes several buildings connected to each other. The monastery's territory houses:
In addition, the monastery is famous for its library, which holds historical documents, royal charters, and letters from saints, including those signed by St. Athanasius of Athos.
The main church of the monastery, built in 980, has two side chapels: the right one in honor of St. Nicholas and the left one in honor of the Archangels. The interior of the church is adorned with icons, some of which are painted in the style of Theophanes the Cretan.
Apart from the main church, the monastery also houses other sacred places, such as:
The monastery's main relic is the Iviron Icon of the Theotokos, also known as "Portaitissa." According to tradition, the icon was found in the sea and brought to the monastery by a monk named Gabriel. There is a story that iconoclasts, attempting to destroy the icon, struck it in the face, and blood flowed from the image. This led to the repentance of one of the soldiers, who later took monastic vows.
Since then, the icon has been considered the protector of the monastery and is placed above its gates. The icon is adorned with a silver riza from the 19th century, donated by Russian pilgrims. In 2005, a new reliquary was created for its preservation.