Mount Athos introduces new regulations for pilgrim access

·

The monastic community of Mount Athos has unveiled new measures to regulate the flow of pilgrims and safeguard the spiritual essence of this sacred site, according to iefimerida.gr

Effective January 1, 2025, tighter restrictions will limit visitor numbers and impose rules on group sizes and accommodation changes. Coenobitic monasteries will now host a maximum of 200 pilgrims per month. Group visits will be capped at five people unless they involve students or military personnel. Additionally, all visitors must obtain official invitations to access the monastic community.

To prevent unauthorized movement between monasteries, prior approval will be required for any accommodation changes. While some exceptions may be made during major religious festivals, these will need prior consent from the pilgrimage office.

The Holy Community, which oversees Mount Athos, has reaffirmed the longstanding prohibition on women visiting the site, maintaining a tradition upheld for centuries.

These new regulations aim to balance the rising interest in Mount Athos with the need to preserve its monastic environment and spiritual integrity. By managing the number of visitors and ensuring adherence to established guidelines, the measures seek to minimize disruptions while allowing pilgrims to experience the sacred atmosphere of the site.

Source: iefimerida.gr

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia stands with Greece: Prime Minister Albanese’s message for OXI Day

On the 85th anniversary of OXI Day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shared a heartfelt message.

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

Panayiota Dimopoulos’ OXI Day artwork takes pride of place on The Greek Herald cover

Panayiota Dimopoulos from Oakleigh Grammar designed The Greek Herald’s OXI Day cover, capturing the shared history of Greece and Australia.

Greek and Cypriot leaders honour OXI Day with messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora

Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora ahead of the OXI Day celebrations.

Greek Film Festival wraps 30th year with a triumphant Sydney finale

The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio.

You May Also Like

Greek diaspora revive interest in homegrown property market

A quiet yet powerful trend is emerging: more Greeks living abroad are investing once again in property back home.

Fire breaks out in cramped refugee camp on Samos island [VIDEO]

Hundreds of refugees are homeless after a fight between rival ethnic groups in Vathy camp on the island of Samos lead to a fire outbreak.

NSW Liberals commit to increasing support for multicultural media outlets

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will double the mandatory advertising spent for diverse communities.