Summer Conference and AGM 2025

Axion Estin: Hidden but Everywhere on Mount Athos

Date: Saturday 7 June 2025

Venue: Tsuzuki Theatre, St Anne’s College, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HS

Time: 10.45 a.m. (registration) – 17.30 p.m.

Entrance fee: £25 (students £15 each), lunch £25 each.

We are delighted that the key focus of this year’s summer conference will be the important restoration project being undertaken at the Axion Estin monastic cell on Mount Athos which is being supported by FoMA members through our fund-raising activities. The cell of Axion Estin dates from the second half of the tenth century and is one of the oldest and most important cells on Mount Athos. It is where the Archangel Gabriel appeared in the year 982 and first chanted the hymn ‘Axion Estin’ (‘It Is Worthy’) which now forms part of almost every Orthodox church service. After being abandoned for many years and falling into disrepair, the cell has a new brotherhood of Greek fathers who are determined to restore it to its former glory.

We’re especially pleased that two Fathers from Axion Estin will travel to the UK to explain the history of the cell and its development and to give an update on this vital renovation work to preserve and enlarge the cell buildings.

The conference will also feature a fascinating new documentary film about the ruined Latin Benedictine Amalfitan monastery on the Holy Mountain, which from the tenth century served as a bridge of spiritual unity between the monasticism of the Eastern and Western Churches for more than 200 years. The film, made by Ukrainian historian, journalist and Doctor of Theology, Serhii Shumylo and the Académie française, is timed to coincide with the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea, symbolising Christian unity.

Full details are attached.