AMORGOS, Greece (AP) For over five decades, Father Spyridon Denaxas, affectionately known as Father Spyridon, has dedicated his life to prayer, hospitality, and spiritual guidance within the ancient walls of a monastery that is intricately carved into a cliff on the picturesque Greek island of Amorgos. This monastery, the Panagia Hozoviotissa, is not just a religious site; it is a beacon of hope and faith for many, perched dramatically between the vast expanse of the sky and the shimmering Aegean Sea.

Father Spyridon begins each day well before dawn in a small, dimly lit chapel, where he offers prayers to the revered icon of the Virgin Mary after which the monastery is named. This sacred routine has been his pillar of life since he joined the monastery straight out of high school in the summer of 1971. Alongside another monk and an assistant, Father Spyridon not only tends to the spiritual needs of the faithful but also maintains the buildings, nurtures the land, cares for their animals, and greets the constant flow of pilgrims who make the journey to this holy site.

The allure of Amorgos and its monastery is juxtaposed against the backdrop of growing concerns regarding overtourism, which has affected many popular destinations in Greece, including nearby islands such as Santorini. However, Father Spyridon chooses to see the grace in each visitor. Their pilgrimages often begin with an arduous eight-hour ferry ride from the mainland, culminating in a steep climb along a rocky path that leads to the monastery, a journey that is both physically demanding and spiritually enriching.

The Virgin knows the method by which she will transmit her grace to each person each one, as a brother and as an image of God, Father Spyridon shared in an interview with The Associated Press. This philosophy embodies his belief that every visitor is a vital part of a larger spiritual family.

In a nation where secularization is on the rise, similar to trends across Europe, the church continues to play a vital role in the lives of small, close-knit communities. Amorgos, with its population of approximately 2,000, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of religious faith in rural areas. Last year, when Father Spyridon was away for an extended periodabout five monthswhile undergoing surgeries, his absence was profoundly felt. His return was celebrated throughout the towns, and as he resumed his visits to local chapels and coffee shops, he was greeted with warmth and affection by residents of all ages, who rushed to see their beloved spiritual leader.

As Lent approaches, Father Spyridon becomes even more devoted to his mission of being present for his community, whether they are just a short walk away or have traveled from distant lands. People are sent by God, and its the responsibility of the monks to welcome them and feed their hunger for spirituality and for a better hope for the future, he explained, embodying the spirit of compassion that defines his role.

The monastery, with its dazzling white walls, stands out against the radiant Aegean sun. At night, when darkness envelops the landscape, the small windows of the monastery emit the only glimmers of light amid a sea of stars, further enhancing its ethereal beauty.

For Father Spyridon, the essence of his vocation lies in being shapers of light for all those who seek solace and enlightenment. He believes that the monasterys mission transcends mere physical existence, focusing instead on the soul, the spirit, and the eternal aspects of life. Here, it is about the soul, the spirit, the eternal part of us, he asserts, reminding us that in this remote corner of Greece, the quest for spiritual fulfillment continues to thrive.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors.