About Us:
We are a charitable foundation inspired by the living Orthodox Christian tradition as experienced in Mount Athos, Greece for over 1600 years. We wish to share this unique spirit with the world.
Our Mission:
We aim to connect with people interested in supporting the multi-faceted works of the Monastic State of Mount Athos, Greece, especially that of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi. By promoting the Athonite spirit, we strive to inspire people to approach the way-of-life, history and art of the living Orthodox Christian tradition and to establish a deeper understanding and awareness of its cultural impact.
The Project
Because of their fortress-like construction, Athonite Monasteries give the external impression of being a unified, residential whole, recalling the fortified castles of the Middle Ages, with all the external facilities and grounds which were necessary to keep it functioning. Construction activity on the Holy Mountain was particularly intense in the 11th century, when the shape of most of the Monasteries was determined, according to Church Tradition.
By undertaking specific initiatives, the GCF wishes to contribute to the renovation and restoration of the historical buildings of the Monastery. The Monastery has a building complex of over 115,000 square feet with enormous historical value and among the most important international spiritual centers in Orthodoxy.
You can find more about our work and what we accomplished so far here