Historical Testimonies of the Presence of Armenian Monks in Holy Mount Athos in 9th–18th Centuries

Holy Mount Athos — one of the biggest centers of Orthodox monasticism, from the first days of its formation appeared to be the place of asceticism for Armenian monks as well. Thus, one of the first ascetics of Athos was St. Joseph Myroblyte (9 th cent.) — Armenian by nationality. Further influx of Armenian monks to the Holy Mount is observed in the 10 th and 11 th centuries. The last testimony of activity of Armenian Hagiorites refers the second half of 18 th cent. This article for the first time attempts to bring together and analyze historical evidences, in order to give a more general and a more comprehensive picture of Armenian monks’ presence in Athos from 9 th to 18 th centuries.