The semiautonomous peninsula of Mount Athos in Northern Greece is the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox church. Monasteries and Cloisters began appearing within its 130 square miles during the 9th century. Since 1045 women have been prohibited from entering the territory as a sign of respect for the Virgin Mary, after whom the peninsula is dedicated.
Father John prepares a new garden for peppers outside of his cell in the skete of Saint Anne. The produce will be shared with other monks in the area.