Holy Community of Mount Athos announces new measures for pilgrim access

The Holy Community of Mount Athos has officially announced new measures regarding the access of pilgrims, which will come into effect from 1 January 2025. The decision was made due to the increasing number of visitors and to not disrupt monastic life and the prayer schedule.

According to the new regulations, the maximum number of pilgrims that can be accommodated in the monasteries and monastic settlements of Mount Athos will be strictly limited as follows:

For Coenobitic Sketes – a maximum of 200 pilgrims per month;
For the Central Churches (Kyriakon) of other Sketes – a maximum of 50 pilgrims per month;
For Cells – a maximum of 20 pilgrims per month.
Invitations must be sent to the Pilgrims’ Office no later than 12:00 PM the day before arrival. Groups larger than 5 pilgrims are prohibited unless they are students, pupils, novices, or military personnel.

Pilgrim access will be permitted only on the basis of invitations. Moving and requesting accommodation at other Cells or Monasteries without an official invitation from them is strictly forbidden.

Additionally, during major holidays, temporary flexibility will be allowed, but only with the approval of the Mount Athos Pilgrimage Office.

To prevent overcrowding, all pilgrims must request and receive approval from the Pilgrimage Office at least one day before arrival, by 12:00 PM.

The Holy Community is the supreme administrative, legislative, executive, and judicial body of Mount Athos. Similar to a parliament or senate, it consists of 20 delegates from the 20 Athonite monasteries.

Photo: Iulian Lorin Juravle / Source: Basilica.ro