Guest masters however realize that this may be confusing and will generally translate the timetable into 'cosmic time' for the benefit of visitors. The whole Mountain still follows the Julian calendar and is therefore thirteen days behind the outside world. Libraries and treasuries All the monasteries are literally treasure-houses stuffed with priceless relics of their Byzantine past. Treasures of particular religious significance, such as relics of the saints and miracle-working icons, are often kept in the church and may be displayed at certain times for veneration by Orthodox pilgrims. Other items are likely to be kept in a strongroom to which supervised access can sometimes be arranged.
Most monasteries also house important collections of manuscripts.
The vast majority of these are liturgical, many date from the Byzantine period, and some are beautifully illuminated. Permission to read manuscripts can usually be obtained if the request is supported by a letter of recommendation. Printed books are often kept in another library to which access is less restricted. Books in various languages may also be available in the guest house. Photography Athos is deliciously photogenic.