The history of the Monastery can be compared to the waves which break against its rocky foundation: Through periods of ebb and flow, from facing conditions of absolute poverty to enjoying the favour of kings, the Pantokratoros Monastery ('Monastery of the Almighty Jesus Christ, Our Lord, God and Saviour') has weathered time from the 11th to the 21st century, maintaining a constant presence in the Athonite community. Within the cells of the Monastery, the work of hundreds of devout priests over the centuries has contributed to the Monastery's special place in Orthodox history. The Monastery is protected by Panagia Gerontissa ('The Mother of God, Wise and Venerable'), who has shown her good will towards it many times throughout the centuries.