Prayer Rope with Wooden Cross – 50 Knots – Mount Athos

Description Prayer Rope with 50 Knots in Black with Wooden Cross and Bead This prayer rope is an authentic monastic handicraft, consisting of 50 knots. At the end, there is a wooden cross, and a woven discreet cross in the middle. It is handmade by the Athonite fathers as part of their monastic duties, crafted with great care and love. Prayer ropes are the most well-known monastic handicraft, in accordance with the tradition of Mount Athos. The monks use the proceeds from these prayer ropes to cover their living needs or for the maintenance of their cells and sketes. Prayer Rope: Usage The prayer rope usually consists of 33 or 100 knots, though it can also be made with 200 or 300 knots. It is an essential aid for prayer for monks, clergy, and laypeople. Specifically, each time a prayer (usually short) is recited, one knot is counted. This helps keep track of the number of repetitions or the passage of time. According to Christian tradition, prayer ropes originated with St. Pachomius in 320 A.D. He sought a way to help monks focus during prayer. One night, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream and showed him how to make the tool that would serve the needs of prayer. Thus, the prayer rope was created as a gift from God to mankind. Length: 35 cm Origin: Mount Athos