Description
The Holy Mountain, or Virgin Mary’s garden as the locals call it, is a place of sacred seclusion and bliss. Regardless of the number of friends you visit it with, Athos is a place where you will seek a sacred solitude and that moment for prayer, when you will finally get the chance to look inside you. These are the moments where you long to bring forth your inner pain and the hermetically enclosed thoughts. Those that only you know, those that have never been externalized further than the area of your heart. It is the place where you seek support for your problems. Through prayer you long to unite with God, to feel peace in your heart. A prayer on a holy and venerable place, inside and outside the monasteries.
Even from the boat when you stare at the monasteries scattered on Athos’ peninsula, spreaded towards the beaches of the Holy Mount’s bays, with their majestic and imposing figures, you already feel your head clearing from heavy thoughts, and tranquility and venerity taking their place. This is the moment when Mount Athos’ grandeur is revealed to you. It is the place where you can find peace in all its locations.
As the boat keeps going further south and the view of the formidable monasteries comes to an end, you start seeing the area call “The Desert”. The famous Katounakia, the Skete of St. Anna, the admirable Karoulia (Reels), the Skete of St. Basil, Kerasia and finally Kavsokalivia (Hut Burners). Wild sceneries, with buildings hanging from the steep slopes of Athos. It is here that the most wild, untamed monks abide, secluded from the rest of the world, far from the conveniences of organized societies. These supposedly “dead” people for the outside world went to live there forgotten by the world, a life dedicated to God. Humble and noble, faithful to the value of the soul, the pray for its salvation. People from all walks of life and of all educational levels, divorced from the world, they live as equals to each other, helping one another, as their only family is now their neighbor monks.
Some of them where driven to monasticism by a sharp turn of life, a sudden and violent change in their life or even a change on their perspective of the world and its value. Some others where raised since infancy believing in the value of monasticism and the futility of the world. Finally, some of them were just born for it. It was inherent.
I met Christo on my first visit to the Holy Mountain in 2011. He was introduced as Monk Clement. A very good friend and former neighbor, Vasilis, organized the trip. Vasilis was a regular pilgrim to the Holy Mountain. When he learned that I had never visited, he decided to organize a little excursion for the two of us. He had planned to visit quite a few monasteries. Our first stop was the Monastery of St. Gregory and then we went to Katounakia. That was the end for the little trip for me. The beauty of the scenery, as well as the simplicity of the retreats enchanted me. They had nothing in common with the majestic monasteries further north, but were some old and picturesque ranch houses, without even electricity. Incredible! Like a trip in time. But what impressed me the most was the silence. It was so quiet that i could listen to nature, the flap of a butterfly’s wings. It is one of the few places where although inhabited by people, nature has the primary role.
On this unbelievably beautifully contrived by God place, I had the blessing to meet monk Clement, one of the best conversationalists. Even though he was a monk in one of the most radical brotherhoods, his word was balanced and his mind was open to different views. He did not look alike any of the rest, who had strong opinions, and when they expressed them they would lock to it, denying even to listen to any other view. Clement had an inquisitive character, which showed that he was searching for the truth from many sources, and not solely from the path his brotherhood was showing him. He didn’t accept all the opinions he heard. He read a number of theology and philosophy books before he ended up to a very difficult for him decision: to get out of the Holy Mountain. A decision that surprised everyone. I had the opinion that monk Clement was the ideal monk. A wild and uncommitted monk, eager to accept and deny. He had made up his mind after a lot of studying. After managing to convince himself who could change his mind?
We kept in touch with Christo after his exit from the mountain, and to this day I believe we developed a strong friendship. A friendship that lead to the honorable for me proposal, to write his experiences from the time he lived as a monk. Together we tried to unravel the best we could, some unknown aspects of monastic life, from the perspective of monk Clement but at the same time through Christo’s settled way of thinking.
A brave decision by Christo to expose himself and frankly reveal his hidden actions and thoughts. A real confession by a real monk.
Tasos Antsos
Kat Levingston
Such an amazing book. I absolutely loved learning about Christos’s stages of life and how he learned so much throughout all those stages. I have always wondered what a day looks like for a monk. I didn’t realize how much discipline there is. Personally knowing Christos I can see the kindness in him and how he truly loves God and everyone around him. I am sure because of everything he has gone through had a big factor in who he is now. I highly recommended this book. It has amazing colored pictures in it so you can also visualize his journey.
Clayton Olander
Great book. In depth knowledge on the subject matter and the content and geography. Loved the way it was written and the story unfolding complete with character development. Can tell the Author has done the things he talks about in the book and especially loved the Story about the Mules although painful it showed great compassion and a big heart regardless of the unfortunate situation.
Tim DeHerrera
Christos was kind enough to give me an advanced copy of his book when I inquired about purchasing it. Having a long time interest in various ascetic traditions, I was quite looking forward to it, and I must say it did not disappoint one bit. There is a genuine character and authentic quality to the writing that simply cannot be faked. The experiences recounted and lessons learned are nearly universal in quality and timeless in their application. In a world all too concerned with itself, this autobiographical recount is a refreshing take on living a life full of meaning defined from within, instead of from without.
It is also a sobering reminder that even those who have dedicated their life to spiritual growth are not immune to human error and bias. All told, it was a wonderful, candid take inside a life most of us have only ever had a chance to wonder at, and my sincerest appreciate to the author for sharing his experience, no-holds-barred.
Steve Ayres (verified owner)
I loved the book and connected with it deeply! A great exploration of a man’s journey to seek God and His ways! Really enlightening on self discipline and how it grows us spiritually to come closer to God. Godbless
David
A fascinating story! I loved reading about Christos’ extraordinary experiences and the insights he provides. This book provides a window into another world which is so different from the daily grind I am used to. It reveals how we as humans all share in struggles and yearn for peace and belonging that only God can provide.
Neil Burgess (verified owner)
A fascinating insight into a world that modern western cultures have forgotten. The ancient virtues of self-sacrifice, unconditional love, and forgiveness are worth revisiting. I would buy a future edition that elaborates on the monk’s reconciliation with the modern world and any resumption of his spiritual journey.
Marvin Lee
This is a fascinating, vivid account of one man’s search for meaning and a genuine relationship with God through an ascetic existence shorn of the conveniences, pleasures, and distractions of modern life. The detailed descriptions of the day-to-day life, including the spartan and drab fare the monks were limited to in terms of food, clothing, and even hygiene transport the reader to an existence so foreign, it seems like a picture of life from a different century or even millennia. The question of whether the monks’ survival after years of drinking from a cistern with dead animals found in it was a function of miraculous faith or the body’s amazing ability to develop immunity to anything was comical at the same time as profoundly thought-provoking. The examination of the dissent within the monastic community and the events and internal journey that led up to the author’s eventual decision to leave the monastery illustrate the universality of the human condition, both within society, as well as within the individual journey in this world where we exist with one foot in the physical and the other in the spiritual. I highly recommend this book! It is a quick and entertaining read and at the same time, it challenges the reader to consider the meaning and trajectory of his or her own life as well.
Geri Powers
What an amazing journey! The words on the pages of this book come alive through the 7 years Christos experienced as a Monk. The complete sacrifice required by the Church and fellow Monks, caused his life to change dramatically. He was separated from his family, friends, diet and literally all he was accustomed to. He was not only in complete service to God, but also to man, while following guidelines from the “Senior” Monks. Even during the challenges, he was able, through frequent prayer, to find peace and tranquility. I highly recommend this book. It was life changing for the author, and the reader as well. I couldn’t put it down.
Ioannis Kompatsiaris (verified owner)
I met Christos when he was a Researcher at the Information Technology Institute of CERTH in Greece and I was fascinated by his story of being a monk on Mount Athos before joining the Institute. I have visited Mount Athos several times myself, so when I saw that he wrote a book about his experience there, I was eager to read it, so I could learn more about this unique place from a real insider! Christos’ life and how it is presented in the book are amazing! The writing is captivating, being informative and exciting at the same time as the whole story evolves. The reader has the opportunity to learn about the life on Mount Athos, which has remained unchanged for centuries, and specifically about a very austere spiritually and naturally challenging part of Mount Athos. On top of everyday life, Christos provides very interesting personal views on how religious beliefs and teachings could be applied in everyday, modern life. One of the things I liked and appreciated most, is the balanced presentation: Christos does not reject everything because he left Mount Athos and at the same time does not accept every teaching he experienced without a critical view. If you want to read about a personal life experience in one of the most unique places on earth, presented in a proficient way, then this book is for you!
Tasos Manouras
An insightful book that doesn’t pretend to be something that it isn’t. Sticks to the point and delivers experiences, information, captivating me along the way. Would love to see Christo deliver a speech on an audience both presenting his book and discussing his ideas. One of the few books that made me long for more.
Nare Babayan (verified owner)
The 7 Years on Mt. Athos by Christos is a thoughtful and inspiring memoir about the author’s time spent living on Mt. Athos in Greece. Palaskas’ story is one of faith, transformation, and a deep connection to the ancient spiritual traditions of the Orthodox Church.
Palaskas begins his tale with a vivid description of the rugged landscape of Mt. Athos, a place where he found solace and refuge from the distractions and temptations of the modern world. He paints a vivid picture of the beauty of the natural environment and its importance in his spiritual journey. He recounts his struggles with loneliness and doubt, his encounters with other monks and spiritual seekers, and his deepening understanding of Orthodox mysticism and theology.
The 7 Years on Mt. Athos is an inspiring read for anyone interested in spiritual life. Christos’s writing is honest and eloquent, and his journey is one of deep personal growth. His experiences on Mt. Athos offer readers a fascinating glimpse into a spiritual world that is often overlooked in the modern world. This book provides an informative and inspiring look into the Orthodox faith and his journey of spiritual discovery. Highly recommended.
Kevin Bridges
This is a look into the thoughts and mind of someone who has asked many of the same questions I have. It helped show me the power of our thoughts and beliefs. I really enjoy knowing others’ life choices and experiences, as it helps me learn and grow mentally and spiritually. I will re read this one more as I think there is more for me to get out of it. Life is all about choices.
Michael Manson
As the unofficial editor who helped with the English version of the book, I feel part ownership. I participated in its maturation from a collection of moving reminiscences into a coherent whole complete with maps, photographs, and an orderly progression of topics. All of the firsthand experiences and philosophical musings are solely those of Christos. Because I loved the book so much, I wanted it to be as readable and relatable as possible. It was work well rewarded.
Dimitrios ELEFTHERIADIS
This literary work is profoundly enlightening and exceedingly beneficial with regard to acquiring knowledge of the monastic way of life. One is captivated by the captivating insight into the lives of individuals who have undertaken this ascetic path, and the motives which underlie their life choices. Such a contemplative odyssey represents a deeply revealing encounter, which broadens one’s horizons and imbues the reader with a wealth of insight.
Jonathan Greene (verified owner)
Through his book Seven Years on Mount Athos, Palaskas brings his readers on a very personal journey few may know and even fewer have chosen. It’s a journey through life that leads to the stripping away and arriving at most basic conditions a man can sustain. At the heart of the story, we find the heart of man, and a wrestling with faith and tradition the human condition may more easily mask in any other setting. Palaskas’ autobiography is well worth reading. He masterfully brings the sights, sounds, smells, personalities, and trials of his experience to his readers. The book is well-crafted, with photos and great typography. I enjoyed reading it slowly and joining the author in the tale he shares.
Oleksandr Romanov
I read this book in February 2023. I rarely give the book a 5-star rating, but this is the case.
Christos not only tells about his adventure of being a monk for such a long period.
He also showed the main points in life and his thoughts and experiences that brought him to such a decision.
The book is very easy to read – it’s like you’re just talking to the author somewhere near a fireplace in the evening, on a mountain trip… The photos from the book also help to feel this atmosphere better.
It was interesting to find out about the manners and ethics of the monks, about the struggles they needed to overcome daily.
It is not a self-help book. It is not a book of advice. It is a book of personal experience and self-reflection.
Thank you, Christos, for a beautiful journey. It was like a tale from another century: a moment to switch off from life and work routines and see the wild world with the “eyes” of the author.
Costas Saragkas (verified owner)
7 Years on Mount Athos is a book about the power of the will and of know thyself. The power of the will to leave ordinary life and join a community with strict rules. The power of the will to practice self-discipline and live in harmony within the brotherhood, away from family, relatives and friends. Know thyself, the author, a curious and explorative mind, came to question the beliefs with which he grew up, studied and learned and through this process changed himself (rerum causas cognoscere). Eventually the power of the will and know thyself made the author to decide to leave the monastic life and return to society. By reading the book one learns to value the important things in life, not waste time on the trivial ones and become a better person.