The daily life of the Monks and the Monastery through time

The daily work of the monks is necessary to meet the practical needs of the Vatopedi Brotherhood, but it is also part of their exercise. The monk who diligently carries out his ministry has the opportunity to practice diligence, humility, patience, solidarity, love and thus receive the fruit of the Grace of the Holy Spirit. 

With the increase in the number of monks and pilgrims of the Monastery and by extension the expansion of their daily food needs, it became clear that the Monastery had to utilize its lands and improve the quantity and quality of primary production, which had completely declined during the 20th century.

For the needs of the fathers and the multitude of pilgrims who were hosted, there were old fishing boats, fishing houses and fishing gear that served the fishing industry, which is being modernized to meet today's needs.

Naturally, emphasis was placed on the intensive cultivation of the lands around the Monastery for the production of basic foodstuffs, while new agricultural machinery was gradually introduced, greenhouses were created, etc., always with the aim of making the Monastery as self-sufficient as possible in basic foodstuffs.

The Brotherhood also takes care of the care through the recording, classification, conservation and creation of safe storage spaces for the relics of the Monastery. At the same time, during the 30 years of community life in the Monastery, numerous restoration works and maintenance of spaces have been carried out.