Simonopetra Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea on Mount Athos, is one of the 20 monasteries in the Athonian monastic community and ranks 13th in the hierarchy. The seven-story structure lies on the southern coast between the port of Dafni and Osiou Grieoriou Monastery. Despite Mount Athos being part of the European Union, Simonopetra adheres to the unique jurisdiction of the Athonian monastic community, which restricts entry to men only and requires a special permit, the diamonitirion, for lay visitors.
The monastery's history has been shaped by resilience. Fires in 1580 and 1891 devastated its structures, destroying invaluable manuscripts, heirlooms, and buildings. After the 1891 fire, Father Superior Neophytos led an ambitious reconstruction effort, choosing to rebuild on the same challenging site “for reasons of history and respect.” The largest part of the monastery, including the multi-story St. Mary Magdalene wing, was restored by 1902.
During this period, Father Neophytos embarked on an extensive fundraising tour across Russia, carrying treasures such as the relics of St. Mary Magdalene. His efforts inspired significant support
The monastery’s origins trace back to St. Simon Myroblyte, an ascetic who lived in a nearby cave in the 13th century. According to tradition, Simon received a divine vision during the Advent season, seeing a star descend and rest on the rocky cliff. Guided by this vision and instructed by the Mother of God, Simon founded the monastery as "New Bethlehem." The name later changed to Simonopetra in his honor.
When Saint Simon pointed to a sheer cliff as the site for building the monastery, the craftsmen were horrified. They believed such a location was too dangerous, not only for construction but also for those who would live there, and they tried to dissuade him. In response, Simon invited everyone to join him for a meal. During the meal, one of his disciples slipped and fell from the cliff, holding a jug and a glass of wine in his hands. The craftsmen turned to Simon with reproach, claiming that his idea had already caused an accident. But Saint Simon prayed fervently to the Holy Mother of God, and soon a miracle unfolded before their eyes: the disciple emerged from the abyss completely unharmed, with the jug and glass still intact. This event so deeply moved the craftsmen that they repented and began the construction with reverence and awe.
Saint Simon passed away in 1287, and his relics were believed to exude myrrh. His legacy continued through the contributions of Serbian despot Jovan Uglješa, who rebuilt and expanded the monastery in the 14th century after hearing of its sanctity and the miraculous cures associated with it. Another notable early figure was Jovan Uroš Nemanjić, a royal ascetic and saint who led a life of humility at Simonopetra. He is depicted in the Ktitor's icon of the Katholikon, holding a cross inscribed with his name and title. Both saints are honored on December 28th.
Simonopetra is renowned for its hospitality, offering pilgrims hot water, heating, and towels. Among its treasured relics are the left hand of St. Mary Magdalene and fragments of the True Cross.
In the 20th century, Simonopetra continued to grow, attracting individuals like Nikolaos Mitropoulos. He was a promising lawyer, left his career to join Simonopetra Monastery, taking the name Neilos. Though his time there was brief, his impact was profound. He secured the donation of a property in Pangrati, Athens, which later became the Dependency of the Ascension in Vyronas. Neilos’ spiritual devotion paralleled the talent of his nephew, Dimitrios Mitropoulos, who became a celebrated conductor and led the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Despite their different paths, both left an enduring legacy of discipline, talent, and dedication to their respective callings.
Simonopetra also maintains a metochion (dependency) located in Ormylia, which extends its spiritual and charitable mission beyond Mount Athos.