Prayer Rope with Metal Cross – 50 Knots – Mount Athos

Description

Prayer Rope with 50 Knots in Black Color with a Red Metal Cross

This particular prayer rope is a genuine monastic handcraft, consisting of 50 knots. At the end, there is a red metal cross and a discreet woven cross in between. It is made by Athonite monks as part of their monastic duties, with great care and love. Prayer ropes are the most well-known monastic craft, as is in line with the tradition of Mount Athos. The monks use the proceeds from the prayer ropes and handcrafts to cover their livelihood needs or for the maintenance work on their cells and sketes.

Prayer Rope: Usage

The prayer rope usually consists of 33 or 100 knots, but it can be even larger with 200 or 300 knots.

It is an essential prayer aid for monks, clergy, and laypeople. Specifically, each time a prayer (usually short) is recited, a knot is counted. This way, the number of repetitions or the passage of time can be monitored.

According to Christian tradition, prayer ropes originated with Saint Pachomius in 320 AD. Specifically, Saint Pachomius sought a way to help monks concentrate during prayer. Then, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream and showed him how to make the tool that would serve the needs of prayer. Thus, the prayer rope was created as a gift from God to mankind.

Length: 36 cm

Origin: Mount Athos