In Greek mythology, Athos was a giant from Thrace, who for many years fought against Poseidon - the god of the sea. Finally, Poseidon slew him and buried him under the high mountain which took the giant's name. According to a codex in the library of The Monastery of Great Lavra, the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, visited the place and blessed the Mountain and all its inhabitants and her prayers were answered by a voice from Heaven promising that the Mountain would be a sanctuary and place of atonement for all those seeking salvation ... (more)