Iviron monastery

The Holy Monastery of Iviron, as seen from the path that connects Iviron to Stavronikita monastery

Holy Monastery of Iviron (Greek: Ιερα Μονή Ιβήρων, Georgian: ივერთა მონასტერი) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery at the monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece. The monastery was built by Georgians under the supervision of two Georgian monks, John the Iberian and Tornikios between 980-983 AD and housed Georgian clergy and priests.^[1]

Iveron in 18th century. Painted by Georgian travel-writer Timote Gabashvili

The monastery ranks third in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries. The library of Iviron monastery contains 2000 manuscripts, 15 liturgical scrolls, and 20,000 books, most of which are in Georgian, Greek, Hebrew and Latin.

The name Iviron originated from the ancient Georgian Kingdom of Iberia (Iveria) where the master architect of the monastery Ioannes was from.

The monastery has the relics of more canonized saints than any other on Mount Athos. The Panagia Portaitissa, a famous 9th century icon, is also located at Iviron.

The Holy Monastery of Iviron, as seen from the shore.

The monastery has about 30 working monks and novices, none of whom are Georgian. However, there are forty or so Georgian hermits living in hermitages near the monastery.