Prayer Rope Saint Joseph of Vatopedi – 33 Knots – Mount Athos

Description

Prayer Rope with 33 Knots Featuring the Saint Joseph of Vatopedi

This particular prayer rope is a genuine monastic handicraft, consisting of 33 knots. It is made by Athonite monks as part of their spiritual obedience, with great care and devotion. Prayer rope handiwork is considered the most renowned form of monastic craftsmanship, in accordance with the tradition of Mount Athos. Monks use the proceeds from the sale of prayer ropes and other handcrafted items to cover their livelihood expenses or to fund maintenance work in their cells and sketes.

Prayer Rope: Use

A prayer rope usually consists of 33 or 100 knots, although larger ones with 200 or even 300 knots also exist.

It is an essential aid for prayer, used by monks, clergy, and laypeople alike. Specifically, for each short prayer said, one knot is counted. This helps to track the number of repetitions or the passage of time.

According to Christian tradition, the origin of the prayer rope dates back to Saint Pachomius in 320 A.D. The saint sought a method to help monks maintain focus during prayer. One night, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream and showed him how to make a tool that would assist in prayer. Thus, the prayer rope was created—a gift from God to humankind.

Icon Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.5 cm