Exploring the Hospitality of Mount Athos’ Monks: Insights from Visitors Impressions

Hospitality has played a significant role in Orthodox monasticism, driven by selfless love for fellow human beings. This article explores the impressions of visitors to Mount Athos, regarding the hospitality provided to them by the Mount Athos’ monks. The subject of hospitality for the monks is quite important because it is the beginning of love for fellow human beings. The purpose of the article is to examine the reception and hospitality of the visitors of Mount Athos by the monks and the recording of their impressions of this hospitality. It focuses on the example of the monastic community of the Athos peninsula and how the monks receive and welcome visitors. General impressions of the visitors throughout their access and stay on Mount Athos are also examined. The behavior of the monks towards the visitors is characterized as cordial and exemplary. The research focused on visitors, recording their experiences from their stay on Mount Athos and the stages of hospitality provided to them. Questionnaires to visitors after their stay on Mount Athos were used as means of collecting the research. The survey results demonstrate that the visitors’ impressions are described as special and unique. The majority of visitors were completely satisfied with the care they received in terms of accommodation, material and spiritual food. Could the hospitality of the monks of Mount Athos work as an example of hospitality for tourism? The way in which the monks of Mount Athos approach the visitor is special and unique. The use of the hospitality philosophy of the monks could enrich the hospitality of visitors in the tourism industry bringing significant results. This study contributes to the literature by enriching the understanding of hospitality practices within monastic communities.