Mount Athos
The entire peninsula is a self-governing monastic state within the Hellenic Republic, and it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to be the spiritual protector of the mountain.
Only men are permitted to visit the territory, which is called the "Garden of Virgin Mary" by the monks.
The monastic community enforces an avaton (Άβατον), banning women and female animals to maintain celibacy and honor the Virgin Mary, who alone represents her gender on Mount Athos.
One of the central legends of Mount Athos is its dedication to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to be the spiritual guardian of the mountain.
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary visited Mount Athos during her lifetime and blessed the land, making it her "garden" and vowing to protect it.
This legend underpins the tradition that no other women are allowed on the peninsula, as it is considered the exclusive domain of the Virgin Mary.
In the 10th century, an angel appeared to a monk and sang a hymn to the Virgin Mary, teaching him the words "It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos."
The icon of the Virgin Mary present during this miraculous event became known as "Axion Estin" and is revered as one of the most sacred treasures of Mount Athos.
During this event, the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared multiple times to several peasant children in Fátima, Portugal, promising a public miracle.
Goliath
In honor of this event, the king erected a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint George at the dragon's death site, where a spring with healing properties emerged.