Athos and the West. Benedictines, Crusaders and Philosophers
Athos and the West. Benedictines, Crusaders and Philosophers

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to illustrate, through a number of examples, the complexity of the relations between 'Athos and the West'. These examples have served to indicate that the story of 'Athos and the West' does not support the picture of unmitigated and eternal antagonism conjured up by the Karyes statement. Athos has often been ill-served by the West, it is true. But it has also been supported and defended by the West. The Latin rite and Benedictine Rule have flourished on Athos. Even Jesuits have been welcomed and acclaimed at the very heart of the Mountain. In short, the authentic and living Orthodox witness of Athonite monasticism is not best served by overly simplistic contrasts.

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