The Mount Athos Council announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, its monastery community will remain prohibited to all pilgrims until the end of November. 

Mount Athos is commonly referred to as the “Holy Mountain” by the Greeks. 

It is an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasteries and the seat of many monasteries operated by the Grand Duchy of Constantinople. 

The council stated that after issuing a special invitation, only a certain number of employees and associate members will be allowed to enter the monastery. 

In addition, the monk needs special permission to exit Mount Athos. The ban will be reviewed after November 30.