Symeon the Sanctified and the re-foundation of Xenophon

Abstract

The re-foundation of the Athonite monastery of Xenophon at the end of the eleventh century provides an interesting case study of the activities of a 'second founder'. The activities of Symeon the Sanctified demonstrate how a high-ranking, ex-imperial official re-established the status and possessions of Xenophon by using the wealth, legal expertise and social connections at his disposal. Making use of a detailed study of documents from the archive of Xenophon, the article suggests solutions to the puzzling chronology of Symeon's activities on the holy mountain and discusses the causes of his conflict with the Athonite authorities and subsequent re-instatement. This is a story of uncanonical activity, prejudice and favouritism. It is also a story which still presents many questions and problems, but which may help to elucidate what the concept of 're-foundation' of a Byzantine monastery meant in practical terms and what effect it might have on the existing customs of a house. It is also an interesting example of the complexity of the relationships between the imperial power and its particularly favoured monastic community on Mount Athos. Like many good stories, it starts in medias res. In a document (paradosis) from the archives of the Athonite monastery of Xenophon, dated by its editor Denise Papachryssanthou to 1089 (July, Ind. 12, 6597), the Protos Paul of Athos relates how the house came to be restored by its 'second founder' (deuteros ktetor), Symeon. 1 He clearly places the events in the reign of Nikephoros III Botaneiates (1078-1081). They may be summarised as follows: