Cell of Holy Martyr and Pariarch Modest of Jerusalem

The cell of the Holy Martyr and Patriarch Modest of Jerusalem is located on the territory of the Simonopetra monastery. This cell was already known in the 17th century, but in modern times it was in desolation.

In 1991, the building was completely destroyed by a terrible fire, in which the monastery of Simonopetra almost burned down. Only a part of the foundation of the altar of the temple remained from the cell, and even wild olives and grapes - the fathers cultivated gardens.

Saint Modest is the patron saint of animals. In former times, on Athos they used pack transport, therefore, near each monastery there was a temple of St. Modest. Our cell is located in the area of ​​Karavasaros, on the way from Daphne to Simonopetra, through which in the old days goods were transported on mules. Taking care of hardworking animals, a church and a cell were erected here in honor of Saint Modest.

The charter of Mount Athos does not permit the construction of new monasteries and hermitages, but it is possible to restore old, burnt or destroyed monasteries. Hieromonk Avraamy (Orlov), at his request, the abbot of the monastery Elisha gave a blessing for the revival of the cell of the holy martyr Modest. July 23, 1999 Fr. Abraham, Fr. Nile and two lay assistants arrived at the ruins of the monastery, settled in tents and began to rebuild the cell.

The new church was finished on August 27, 2000. A foundation stone remained from the old church, which was inserted into the wall of the new one. The date on it is February 21, 1886. The full consecration of the temple was carried out by Bishop Theognost on June 26, 2007.

At the end of 2015, a side-chapel was built nearby in honor of All Russian Saints who shone on Athos, and in the fall of 2016 it was consecrated by a bishop.

By the grace of God and thanks to Russian benefactors, the cell acquired its current form. Each stone is a contribution of Russian brothers and sisters.

Source: site of the cell of St. Modest on Athos
In the photo:
1 - ruins of 1999
2 - a new temple
3 - a foundation stone from the old temple
4 - a temple in honor of All Russian saints who shone on Athos
5 - in a temple
6 and 7 Mule on Mt Athos