The term "hermitage" goes back to the beginnings of Christian monasticism in the East, and means a small monastery, derived from the analogous term "asketirion". (. . .) According to the monk Ioannis Agiannanitis, life in Sketes is a harmonious combination of the communal and the hesychast ideal. (. . .) The prosperous and fruitful (. . .) haunting monasticism of Mount Athos we tried to present here, as an introduction to those who have not yet visited the holy place, but also as a reminder for those who have already made their pilgrimage to "Orchard of Panagia". (. . .) (FROM THE PRESENTATION OF THE PUBLICATION)