The Holy Community of Mount Athos has announced a suspension of pilgrimage visits until Nov. 30 in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
In an announcement sent to the holy monasteries, issued following a meeting on Monday, the Holy Community states that the visits of lay pilgrims will not be allowed, with the exception of a minimum number of employees and associates of the monasteries, and only upon presentation of an invitation by the relevant monastery. It is also forbidden to go from one monastery to another.
In addition, a vigil and a prayer service will take place throughout the autonomous Orthodox monastic community from Friday afternoon until Saturday morning to supplicate the Lord for deliverance from the pandemic.