It was a long-standing wish to finally pay a visit to this almost forgotten place on the Holy Mountain, which became reality on September 24th 2023. Another reason that triggered me to visit this place are the drone images monk T. made in 2020 and published on this weblog in post 2264.

Most pilgrims on Athos have seen this skete from a distance, either by car from Karyes to Iviron or to Lavra, or you may have seen it, almost hidden by the bushes and forests, from the kalderimi footpath leading from the Koultoumousiou monastery to Iviron (complete hike is 5,7 km). The hike to the skete is easy and short, after Koutloumousiou monastery mainly over dirt roads (.

Although the skete is close to Karyes, hardly any pilgrims go there.

Let’s explore this special place on Athos: Greek signs say the name I.C. Koutloumousiou, on maps usually the name skiti Ag. Panteleimonos is used. The skete is owned by Koutloumousiou.

The entire settlement consists of 13 kalyvae or cells (of which 7 are deserted), a main church/kyriakon, an ossuary/cemetery and a bell tower. One of the disadvantages of walking in the morning on Athos is that most monks either work indoors or in the fields, or sleep after a long night’s vigil. That is why unfortunately we have not had contact with any of the residents of this skete.

This is an engraving from 1810 of skiti Panteleimonos, made by Theodosios Rosos. The lower zone depicts the skete of Ag. Panteleimon, with its kyriakon, bell tower, cemetery church and the kalyvae of the skete. Lower left, in the churchyard of the kyriakon and next to the skete’s olive press, is represented a holy water rite.

Recently, on March 3 2024, a fire broke out in one of the cells of skiti Panteleimonos. Monk Theophylact, who lives in the cell, was unharmed. For more information read this article.

Wim Voogd, 11-4-2024