Sunset over the Dome of the Catholicon, Docheiariou
As the sun sets of the northwest coast of the peninsula behind the monastery’s five-domed church, it poignantly strikes a radiant cross. Part of the liturgy that takes place in the church is a series of chants, one of which is called “Hail Gladdening Light”—“Phos Hilarion” in Greek. Known as the evening hymn, it is sung during the lighting of lamps at the Vespers (evening) service. The light it refers to represents the light from heaven above.