ATHOS: achieving a higher goal
The word Athos has been heard by almost everyone. However, in this case, it is not about the musketeer from the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas, but a real place – a peninsula.
Athos is located at the southern tip of the Chalkidiki peninsula in northern Greece. At its end rises Mount Athos, after which not only the entire peninsula is named, but also the local monastic republic. This area, known as “Holy Mountain”, is an autonomous monastic state inhabited by Orthodox monks. It measures approximately 50 km in length and 5 to 10 km in width. Access is strictly limited – entry is allowed only for men and only with official permission.
The documentary film Athos (2016, Peter Bardehle, Andreas Martinnás) invites you into this mysterious and isolated world for many. Monks here live away from civilization. The film was created over three years and sensitively brings the essence of monastic life on Athos closer. It shows what it means to be a monk in today's world and reveals a deep spiritual struggle for inner freedom, born from abstinence, prayer, and daily work. The tradition of monastic life has persisted here uninterrupted for over a thousand years.
In the film, we follow several monks whose words and lives help the viewer understand why someone still voluntarily renounces the modern world to live in silence and solitude – dedicating their entire life to the service and praise of God.
The direction and cinematography bring us as close as possible to the everyday life of the monks without disrupting its rhythm or the sacred atmosphere that permeates the entire peninsula.
The film presents the idea: “Prayer, concentration, and work are safe ways to tame your thoughts and desires to fulfill God's will.”
And that is exactly the viewer's experience. Those who may initially nervously look back at how many minutes are left until the end are gradually drawn into the rhythm of Athos life. Time slows down. They are no longer just sitting in front of a screen – they become a pilgrim who uncovers the philosophy of being of the local monks. Perhaps they too will hear the quiet voice within them urging them to reflect on their way of life, possessions, and daily decisions. The film holds up a mirror with a simple yet urgent question: What is truly important to me in life?
On the Holy Mountain, three basic types of monks live: some in large communities (in monasteries), others in smaller brotherhoods of just a few members, and others completely alone – as hermits.
The film tells of values that transcend time: of faith, humility, silence, God, and the meaning of life.
For the Central European viewer, the local liturgy may be unusual at first – richly decorated icons, ancient language, chants, incense, candles. But it gradually becomes apparent that behind this external beauty lies the life of simple men who resist the world precisely by their humility and asceticism. The beauty of art and liturgy here is not for the people but is an offering – a gift to God.
As mentioned in the film: “When you reach the top of the mountain, it is like achieving a higher goal.”
The film Athos is definitely worth watching – especially for those who long for inner calm and an escape from the daily noise and rush. It is intended for viewers who are not looking for superficial entertainment but want to be led to deeper reflection on their own lives, values, and the meaning of existence. This film offers space for contemplation, silence, and inner dialogue.
You can watch the film Athos on the Christian streaming platform Filmana:
https://filmana.cz/cs/film/305-athos and on apps for iOS and Android.
Marek Poštulka, Filmana