athos

To escape persecution by Herod in Palestine...

the Most Holy Theotokos and the Apostle John the Theologian... 

directed their steps towards Cyprus in 48 AD. 

Lazarus of Four Days, raised from death by the Lord, served as bishop there. 

Journey of Mary and St. John

Germán H. Amores

During their sea voyage, their boat encountered a storm. 

To avoid bad weather, they took refuge on a beach by Mount Athos... 

where the Iveron monastery was founded centuries later.

The Most Holy Theotokos marveled at the beauty of the place, and was met reverently by its inhabitants. She appealed to Her Son to bestow the whole area of Mount Athos to Her. Soon, a voice from heaven was heard: “May this place become Your domain, a garden and heaven on earth, and what’s more, a refuge to those who seek salvation.” 

The evangelization by the Mother of God enlightened the local dwellers who received holy baptism. 

“This place will be given to Me by My Son and My Lord,” said the Most Pure One. “May the grace of God dwell in everyone who resides here, and fulfills God’s commandments. They will have everything they need for their earthly cares, and the Mercy of My Son and our Lord will never cease, until the end of times. I will be their Guardian, and will intercede for them before God.”

The Queen of Heaven Herself miraculously guided the ascetics to Athos. 

Among the first ones was Venerable Peter, who was told by the Mother of God: “There is no better place to serve God than Mount Athos, which I have accepted as My Heritage from My Son and our Lord. Those who seek to get away from worldly cares and temptations, will flock here to serve God. 

Great is My love for this place, and the times are near when it will, from its northern to southern end, be filled with a great many ascetics. As long as they serve God, and keep His commandments in their hearts, I will intercede for them during their earthly life, easing their labors and illnesses. 

They will have everything they ever need: I will weaken their enemies warring against them, and glorify the fruit of their spiritual labor, throughout the earth.”

[bron]