The entrance to the Metochion, like in most monasteries/convents, is on the western side. It is surrounded by a wooden fence made with chestnut stakes [kaproulia] from Mt. Athos. The kaproulia alternate with wall parts topped with ceramic decorations.
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Archimandrite Elder Aimilianos, born Alexandros Vafeidis, Father Superior of Simonopetra from 1973 to 2000, was born in 1934, to pious parents, in Nikaia, Piraeus. The family originated from Asia Minor: His paternal grandmother, Evdoxia, was from Constantinople, and his grandfather, Alexandros, from Selymbria (present-day Silivri), in Thrace, studied in the famous Theological Seminary of Chalki Island (present-day Gökçeada).

Simonopetra Monastery ranks 13th in the hierarchy of the Athonian Community. Its existence is closely related to the figure of its founder, St. Simon Myroblyte [the Athonite]. The saint was active during the Latin Empire [Frankish rule] period (1204-1261). St. Simon lead his ascetic life in the cave across Simonopetra. He prayed day and night and…