It was built in 972 AD on the ruins of an older monastery by the disciples of Athanasius of Athonite. It took its name from Arcadius, son of the emperor Theodosius, who when his ship sank was saved by a miracle of the Virgin Mary and was found under a bush (bush + child = Vatopaidi).

 

Today the monastery keeps 2000 manuscripts and more than 40,000 printed books, has about 135 monks and celebrates April 7 (Julian Calendar).