Definition

Proper noun 1. An autonomous monastic community: Mount Athos is a self-governing territory in northeastern Greece, officially known as the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. 2. A geographic and spiritual site: It refers to the mountainous peninsula and the collective of twenty major monasteries and their associated communities located there, which have been a continuous center of monastic life since the 10th century.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Mount Athos is one of the most important spiritual centers for the Orthodox Christian world.
  • Access to Mount Athos is strictly regulated and forbidden to women.
  • The monasteries of Mount Athos preserve a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and religious art.

Advanced Usage

• "The Holy Mountain": This is a common alternative name for Mount Athos, emphasizing its religious significance.
  • Pilgrims travel from around the world to visit the Holy Mountain.
• "The Athonite community": Refers to the collective body of monks living on Mount Athos.
  • The Athonite community follows a centuries-old tradition of prayer and asceticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Athonite (adjective): Pertaining to Mount Athos.
  • The Athonite monasteries are known for their strict rules.
• Athonite (noun): A monk residing on Mount Athos.
  • The elder was a respected Athonite.

Synonyms

• The Holy Mountain: The common religious name for the area.
• Agion Oros: The Greek name for Mount Athos, meaning "Holy Mountain".

Related Phrases

• "The monastic republic of Mount Athos": A phrase describing its unique self-governing political status.
  • The monastic republic of Mount Athos operates under its own ancient charter.

Noun

1. an autonomous area in northeastern Greece that is the site of several Greek Orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century