The miraculous vine tree of St. Simeon Mirotočivi in Hilandar
The oldest vine tree in the world is located in the Holy Monastery of Hilandar. It has been bearing fruit for more than eight centuries.
This miraculous vine tree sprung from the grave of Saint Simeon (Stefan Nemanja). That tree grows outside on the south side, next to the wall of the Hilandar cathedral church, opposite the place where Saint Simeon was buried.
Hilandar tradition
The Hilandar legend says the following about that vine tree: “When seven years had passed since the death of Saint Simeon (February 13, 1200) and when Saint Sava came from the Kareja hermitage to the monastery to prepare the transfer of Saint Simeon’s relics to Serbia, for the sake of reconciling his feuding brothers, then the Hilandar monks wept inconsolably. Then Saint Simeon appeared in a dream to abbot Methodius and told him that it was necessary for his relics to be transferred to his birthplace, but that, for the consolation of the Hilandar brotherhood, a vine tree would grow from his empty grave, and as long as it bears fruit, until then may his blessing rest on Hilandar”.
It bears abundant fruit every year. Apart from pruning, it is not given any additional care, nor are any other measures taken against plant diseases and pests.
The life-giving vine tree
Simeon’s vine tree is attributed to miraculous power. There are many testimonies that the tree gave birth to barren spouses, who firmly believed.
The most famous case happened in the 16th century. Thanks to these grapes, the pasha of Thessaloniki got an heir. As a sign of gratitude, in 1582 he gave Hilandar a large estate outside the borders of Mount Athos – Kakovo. He even sent his own son to be a monk in Hilandar, but the friars dissuaded him from that, seeing that he was not pleased.
To anyone who asks, the Hilandar monks give these grapes, with instructions for use.
