The Holy Community of Mt. Athos, the rotating governing board of the semi-autonomous Orthodox monastic community in northern Greece, this week announced stricter regulations for visits by pilgrims.
The stricter restrictions will come into effect as of Jan. 1, 2025.
Among others, a ceiling is placed on the number of pilgrims a monastery, skete or individual monastic cell can host every month. For instance, coenobitic monasteries may receive up to 200 pilgrims per month.
Additionally, groups of more than five individuals are not allowed, unless they are college students, pupils or military personnel, while only holders of official invitations may visit Mt. Athos.
Pilgrims and visitors may not transfer their lodging from one monastery to another without prior approval.
A more flexible regime may be allowed during significant feast days and major religious observances, but only with the consent of the administration’s pilgrimage office.
The Holy Community is comprised of representatives of all 20 Orthodox monasteries operating on the eastern-most promontory of Halkidiki prefecture.
As is the centuries-old tradition, women are not allowed to visit Mt. Athos.
