Undoubtedly, one of the best and most important gifts that Mount Athos has given to the world is the practice of Hesychasm. Originating in the monastic communities of Mount Sinai, the tradition of Hesychasm reached its highest point of spiritual development in Athos, producing great elders and saints of our Church.

Hesychasm is founded on constant prayer to God. The silence observed by the Hesychast fathers enabled them to practice silent, meaningful prayer, which strengthened their desire to isolate themselves from external factors and turn unhindered to God. This brought their minds and hearts into harmony with the prayerful word.

This type of prayer is also called the Jesus Prayer, as it contains a direct appeal to the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is the most direct form of prayer because such an appeal transcends the verbal and is directed toward mental union with God.

The importance of the Jesus Prayer has been repeatedly emphasized by the fathers of our Church. In addition to the theological interpretation developed by St. Gregory Palamas, many holy fathers have emphasized its value because it purifies the mind and brings a person closer to God.

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner—this is the prayer that opens the heart to God. Repeat it constantly, and God's grace will shine upon you” (St. Gregory of Sinai)

For Athonite monks, practicing the Jesus Prayer is an essential and integral part of daily life. Whether in their cells, at work, during worship, at meals, or during night vigils, the monks constantly repeat: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

When a monk prays for a specific person, he performs what is called an “Athonite Paraklesis”. During the prayer, he says, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, save and have mercy on Thy servant (name).”

You now have the opportunity to submit notes for commemoration while reading the Jesus Prayer. On this page, you can select a monastery and submit the names of your loved ones.