The Holy of Holies of an orthodox church is usually hidden behind the iconostasis and is reserved for the priests and monks. An exception was made, however, to allow our photographer to take some pictures of this area - but without setting foot inside. The portrayal of the worship of the Mother of God decorates the vaulting of the apse.

The chains of the traditional chandelier provide an optimum mounting position for spotlights. From this location, they can be aimed at objects in the room and the vaulting itself without causing any glare.

The plaster in the tomb is scored with diamond-patterns and awaits its decoration with frescoes. The intricate painting will take years to complete - but then again, here in the monastery, time is a different commodity than in the outside world.