Until 1078, conditions at the Monastery experienced a gradual decline without, however, ever being abandoned, as was the case for many other monasteries.
The starting point for the improvement of conditions was the arrival in 1078 of Stefanos, an important Byzantine official from Vigla, for the purpose of embracing the monastic life. Stefanos, who came from a well-known Athenian family and had a large fortune, had been assigned to the Monastery by the Proto of Mt Athos, made a large monetary contribution for the conservation of the Protaton church, and along with three followers, took up residence at the Monastery. He was soon tonsured as a monk, taking the name Symeon and at the same time receiving the designation ‘Blessed’, and became Abbot of the Monastery. Symeon initiated important reconstruction work at the Monastery, which was virtually in ruins, an event which earned him the title of its new owner.
