The concept of “Abaton” (ἄβατον) in Christian literature and Byzantine monastic tradition

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of the “Avaton” (ἄβατον), which translated literally from the Greek language means “inaccessibility” of a particular place or event. This concept and the corresponding practice acquires particular importance in the history of Byzantine monasticism in general, and of the Holy Mount Athos in particular. Although medieval Athoniteacts and documents make no mention of the ban on women visiting Mount Athos, the ban is always implied. Different attitudes to the non-compliance with the “Avaton” confirms the Byzantine practice of exceptions for distinguished visitors. In today's world Athos' “Avaton” is a sort of symbol of monastic rigor and purity of faith. The fact that the opposite sex is deniedaccess to the Holy Mountain's monasteries is not considered in the Orthodox Church as discrimination, but ratheras a realization of the possibility of the monastic ideal in the most favorable conditions. From the perspective of the tradition of the Church, the ascetic monk, praying for peace, brings to the world no less grace than he who takes an active role in the world. In the year of the 1000th anniversary of Russian presence on Mount Athos, the understanding of the multifaceted meaning “Avaton” helps evaluate the feats of Russian monasticism in the cradle of the monastic tradition of the second millennium.