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Athos is situated in Macedonia, Northern Greece and is the easternmost of the three promontories of Chalkidiki. The terrain is mountainous, rising to over 2000m above sea level at its southernmost extremity. Mount Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain, is by far the most important community of Orthodox monks in the world. It remains today, as it has for over a thousand years, the pillar of Orthodoxy. It contains twenty monasteries, the oldest dating back to 963 and those wishing to visit must obtain a special permit to cross its border and enter this land, half-way between Heaven and earth. The monks who live here follow a way of life that doesn't conform to worldly standards but, through spiritual and physical struggles, gives a foretaste of future blessedness. It is to the Holy Mountain that Petar Stefanovic travelled in order to learn the sacred art of iconography and all it encompasses. Presenting himself at Hilandar (Chelandari) monastery, a 12th century Serbian foundation, he was accepted by the brethren and proceeded to study at the 'Byrazeri' kellia, a well-known brotherhood of iconographers. Returning to Hilandar he continued his apprenticeship, eventually establishing a workshop in the monastery where he painted icons ordered from all parts of the globe. Petar Stefanovic worked on the Holy Mountain from 1992 to 1997. It is this personal experience combined with daily prayer which brings authenticity to his work.
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© 2002 Petar Stefanovic. All rights reserved.