The Monastery of Iviron celebrates the Dormition (Koimisis) of the Mother of God on August 15 (Julian; 28 Aug Gregorian) each year. According to Athonite news, this feast is performed "festively" with ecclesiastical grandeur: Great Vespers in the monastery’s church, followed by an all-night vigil at the Protaton (the regional cathedral of Athos), and culminating in the Divine Liturgy on the morning of August 28 1 2. The services feature traditional Byzantine chant and processions. It is a major pilgrimage day on Athos, reflecting the mountain’s deep veneration of the Theotokos (“Mother of God”).
Dormition is the greatest Marian feast on Athos, reflecting Athos’s identity as the “Garden of the Theotokos.” Iviron’s celebration is one of the Holy Mountain’s largest, attended by monks from all Athos communities and pilgrimage groups. It underscores the Athonite monastic rhythm tied to the Orthodox calendar.
Venues and routes
Ιερά Μονή Ιβήρων · Mount Athos
Great Vespers and All-Night Vigil
Pilgrims travel to Karyes to join the Protaton vigil. They participate in the midnight worship and then procession before returning to Iviron for the Liturgy.
Quick essentials for your visit
Crowds & comfort
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