Vatopedi Monastery

**Vatopedi Monastery**
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The Vatopédi Monastery (Greek: Βατοπέδι) is one of twenty Orthodox monasteries in the monastic community of Mount Athos. It occupies the second position in the hierarchical classification of the Constitutional Charter of Mount Athos.

**Location and Hierarchy**
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Located in the northern part of the peninsula, Vatopédi Monastery is situated among the other monasteries on Mount Athos. In the hierarchy of the monasteries, it takes the second place, after the Great Lavra.

**History**
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The monastery's history dates back to 972, when three archontes from Adrianople – Athanasius, Nicholas, and Antonios – restored a dilapidated monastery at the suggestion of Athanasios Athonites. The first documentary testimony of the monastery's existence dates back to 985, where the hegoumenos signed Nicholas as a witness in the last place.

Over time, Vatopédi Monastery became one of the great landowners on Mount Athos, thanks to donations from Emperor Andronikos II in 1292. The monastery has continued to thrive throughout its history, with a significant number of monks living and working within its walls.

**Architecture and Liturgy**
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The main Katholikon (main church) of Vatopédi Monastery is dedicated to the Annunciation, whose votive feast is celebrated on 25 March (7 April). The monastery is also famous for its persistent-smelling incense used in liturgical celebrations, which is due to a special essence acquired in Vienna. The most wanted incense is purple.

The Vatopédi Monastery has a renowned choir, known for its beautiful and harmonious singing during liturgical services.

**Demographics**
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Between 1999 and 2007, the monastery had between 50 to 80 monks living within its walls, making it one of the most populous monasteries on Mount Athos. Today, Vatopédi Monastery is considered the richest of the Athos monasteries.

**References**
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