Mount Athos, known for its spiritual silence and hesychastic spirit, has introduced new stricter access rules to preserve its unique character. The decision by the Holy Community of Athos comes in response to the increasing number of visitors disturbing the peace and silence of the place, often treating it as a tourist attraction rather than a place of prayer. Foreign nationals will have a limited number of permits for entry, while citizens of Greece and Cyprus can visit freely. Three Slavic monasteries, including Hilandar, remain exceptions, allowing Orthodox believers from Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine to visit with prior approval. These measures represent a profound call to respect Mount Athos as a sacred place, not a tourist destination.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the preservation of spiritual and cultural heritage on Mount Athos, highlighting the negative impact of commercialization and mass tourism on sacred traditions. They focus on the need to protect religious practices and the environment from exploitation and stress the importance of respecting the sanctity of the site.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the new rules as a balanced response to the challenges posed by increased tourism, acknowledging both the economic benefits of visitors and the necessity to maintain the spiritual atmosphere of Mount Athos. They present the measures as pragmatic steps to ensure sustainable tourism while respecting religious traditions.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the protection of Orthodox Christian values and traditions, framing the new rules as essential to safeguarding the religious purity and identity of Mount Athos. They often emphasize the special status of Slavic Orthodox believers and the importance of maintaining strict control over access to preserve the sanctity of the site.
