The Holy Synod of Mount Athos has announced additional restrictions on the admission of foreign pilgrims, which will come into effect on June 14, 2025, when the new Holy Epistasy (the governing body, i.e. the “government” of Mount Athos) takes office. The decision was made due to the sharp increase in the number of pilgrims in recent months, especially from abroad (mainly Romanians), which, according to the monastery authorities, violates the hesychastic character of Mount Athos.

The official circular dated May 15 (i.e. May 28 according to the new calendar) sent to the holy monasteries states that the following measures will be applied from June:

– A maximum of 300 accommodations per month per monastery will be allowed for foreign pilgrims.

– Greek and Cypriot pilgrims will not be subject to restrictions.

– Special treatment will be given to the monasteries of Hilandar (Serbian), Zograf (Bulgarian) and St. Panteleimon (Russian), for which restrictions will not apply to pilgrims from Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia and Ukraine.

Despite the already tightened measures since December 2024, the influx of pilgrims has continued to grow. The reason for this, according to the Holy Community, is that tourist agencies organize commercial arrangements in cooperation with individual monks or monasteries, which encourages the commercialization of Mount Athos.

The monks have expressed concern about the possibility of developing a tourist character on Mount Athos, emphasizing that such a trend threatens the spiritual silence and monastic spirit of this holy place. In special cases, such as major monastery holidays, monasteries are allowed to receive more pilgrims, but only after written notification to the Pilgrims' Office. In 2024, approximately 158,000 pilgrims visited Mount Athos compared to 150,000 in 2023. The daily capacity is regulated through a special "Diamonitirion" visa of up to 100 Orthodox and 10 non-religious foreigners per day.

Preparation of theology.net/ Source: Romfea.gr