“Today the Holy Mountain is the only region of the Orthodox world where all types of Eastern Orthodox monasticism (dormitory, monasteries and cells, hermits) are preserved and coexist so harmoniously in one place and under a single administration,” writes Archimandrite in the preface to this publication Elisha, abbot of the Mount Athos monastery of Simonopetra.

The modern outstanding researcher, professor of church law Ioannis Konidaris clearly and clearly talks about both the extremely complex internal laws of the existence of the monastic republic, and the laws of its relationship with the state. One chapter from his book “Special Church Rules” is offered to the attention of Russian readers who have a love for the Holy Mountain.