One more Russian church to open in Mt. Athos

The Russian Athonite Society signed a contract with St. Paul Athos Monastery on financing a construction of St. Paul Church above the Holy cave of the saint. Private persons and organizations will donate funds to the Russian Athonite Society, the Society's press service has reported. The holy cave is situated not far from the monastery. Its founder St. Paul of Xiropotam lived in it at the 10th century.

The monastery is located at the bottom of Mount Athos from its Western side. After Catalonians attacked the Holy Mountain, the monastery lost its independence and managed to win it back in 1370 when thanks to the protection of the Serbian Prince George Brankovic it started strengthening.

The main shrines of the monastery are the Magi's gifts to baby Jesus and two big particles of the Life-Giving Cross.

Source: Interfax religion