The Holy Monastery of Philotheou is situated on the northeast side of Mount Athos between the Kathisma of Mylopotamos which belongs to the Megisti Lavra Monastery and the Karakallou Monastery. The earliest known reference is documented in 1015, originally recorded as Pteris Monastery. It was named Philotheou Monastery after the blessed Philotheus, who, according to tradition, was a disciple of Saint Athanasius the Athonite.
The Holy Monastery of Philotheou is situated on the northeast side of Mount Athos between the Kathisma of Mylopotamos, which belongs to the Megisti Lavra Monastery, and the Karakallou Monastery. The earliest known reference is documented in 1015, originally recorded as Pteris Monastery. According to tradition, Philotheou Monastery was named after the blessed Philotheus, a disciple of St. Athanasius the Athonite.
In the second half of the 11th century, the Monastery was renovated thanks to the financial contribution of Nikephoros Botaneiates (1078-1081).
Andronikos II (1282-1328) issued the chrysobulls of April 1287 and October 1326 granting metochia (dependencies) to the Monastery, in Chios, Asia Minor, Serres, the wider region of Strymonas, and the region of Zichni. A chrysobull issued by Stefan Dušan in April 1346, showing favor to the Monastery, confirms the possession of metochia in the region of Macedonia. John V (1341-1391) grants a metochion to Philotheou Monastery on the island of Lemnos with a chrysobull in May 1341; the possession of metochia in Thassos is confirmed in the 15th century, while Stavronikita Monastery also becomes property of Philotheou Monastery.
The Monastery adopted the idiorrythmic system during the 16th century; the Slavic element prevailed, the monastery fell into extreme poverty and, in 1533, the Stavronikita kathisma was sold to Gregorios Geromerites. In 1500, St. Dionysius of Olympus became the abbot of the Monastery, who wanted to restore the cenobitic order but was unsuccessful as he encountered great resistance from the Slavic element and was forced to leave Mount Athos. In 1540, the Refectory was renovated and decorated with the contribution of Iberian kings Leo and Alexander. In the middle of the 17th century, the Monastery was exempted from paying taxes to the Ottomans due to its poor economic situation. In 1746, the current Katholikon was erected on the site of the old one which had fallen into disrepair, and in 1752 its iconographic decoration was completed. In 1871, the Monastery was almost burnt down except for the Katholikon, the Refectory and part of the northern wing.
Angelos Goumatianos,
archaeologist at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Chalkidiki and Mount Athos
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