O poveste de la Muntele Athos

Faith in God and the power of prayer shape this story. Regina Maria of Romania wrote it. It looks at life in the monasteries of Mount Athos. Women may not enter these places where monks live. The story also draws on a legend of the Virgin Mary. She comes down from heaven to restore order on the holy mountain.

The tale links themes of faith with scenes of monks’ lives. Maria’s own faith valued goodness, justice, love and mercy. She also wrote memoirs, stories and fairy tales. Her works appeared in many languages. She drew on places, people and events she had known. For this edition, Nicolae Iorga translated the story.