A. the old tower, founded by Athanasius and library
B. balcony overlooking the sea
C. the chapel and a reception room
D. small courtyard

Today we take a closer look at the main building, with the old tower, dating from the 10th century (?), the courtyard and the church.

After entering the door you’ll see a smal courtyard (D), with on your left the old tower (A) and on your right building C with the church and the reception room. On the right there is a balcony overlooking the sea, probably one of finest places on Mt. Athos to sit and relax.

Looking back to the door of the courtyard, with balustrade and bells near the chapel (on the left – C).

Detail of the fortified wall

A small door that leads to a lower room, probably used for storage of olive oil and wine, by looking at the wooden barrel and the amphora shaped pottery.

The balustrade and bells

At the end of the balustrade you can find some chairs next to the chapel, where you can overlook the sea

The entrance to the chapel of Ag. Eustatios from 1820, with a lamp with an ostrich egg in it, an icon of the saint on the right and a wall painting (see below)

The iconostasis

Giannis (and Google translate) helped me with translating the Greeks texts on the wall painting:

1. on the left site: Archangel Gabriel in front of buildings (Nazareth) saying: “Hail full of grace. The Lord is with you”.

2. on the right: Mary (the Theotokos) in front of buildings (Nazareth) with the text: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word.”

3. above the Archangel the text: “Immaculate”

3a. above Mary: Theotokou (Annunciation)

4. 4a. in the middle: St. Eustatius

5. and his sons: St. Agapios and

6. St. Theopistos

I do not know the meaning of the “hand” at nr 3a? Who can help me with some more theological info?

Here is the answer: it is a triple ray, symbolising the All-Holy Trinity which descended on the Theotokos.
The fresco in Mylopotamos tells us the complete story of the Annunciation of the Theotokos from the Bible:

Six months after John the Forerunner’s conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden. According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph’s house, the Archangel declared: “Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God’s unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most high overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Thanks to Bertinos.

Read more about St. Eustatius on the Mylopotamos website (in Greek).

Wim, 4/4 and 7/4