On January 6, the Holy Mount Athos celebrates the Eve of the Great Feast of the Nativity of Christ in an atmosphere of reverence and joy. On the evening of this day, night vigils are held in all the holy monasteries, cells and sketes.
Christmas in Mount Athos is celebrated all night long, without special decorations, bright lights or gifts, but with prayer, vigils and deep spirituality. In this corner of Greece, Christmas is celebrated with an emphasis on its great significance for the whole Christian world. All the monks who celebrate the festive services and sacraments carry Christ in their hearts.
Christmas Eve is a day of strict fasting. For pilgrims who celebrate Christmas in one of the monasteries of Mount Athos, this experience becomes something truly unique and inimitable.
In all the monasteries this day is celebrated with great splendor, as befits a state wholly dedicated to the Mother of God. However, among the twenty monasteries of the Athonite state there is one which, from the first moment of its foundation, has been dedicated to the miracle of the Nativity. This is the holy monastery of St. Simon Peter or Simonopetra, the only monastery of Mount Athos that is dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus. It was founded by St. Simon in the mid-14th century and was originally called "New Bethlehem" because of the miracle of the star that led to its establishment.
Surrounded by the incomparable beauty of the Holy Mountain landscapes, with the deepest all-penetrating silence that fills the garden of Our Lady on the night of Bethlehem, all around is filled with the all-night chants of the monks that transport the brethren to the holy night when the Angel of the Lord announced to the shepherds:
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:9-14)
