Concern and questioning in Mount Athos about the outbreaks of the coronavirus, but also about the – inevitable – outbreak within the Athonite State. At a meeting held today, the Holy Community expressed its concern about the spread of the dangerous virus and it was decided to take seperate measures monastery by monastery.
The cancellation of many diamonitirion orders, mainly of pilgrims from abroad, is currently reducing the risk of an outbreak, but the civil administration, the police, the port authority and monks remain on high alert.
What everyone agrees on is self-restraint and taking measures of sanitation and protection, while on Friday, March 28, a vigilance will be held in all the monasteries, as well as in the Temple of the Protaton in Karyes, for the sick and for the protection of the general population.
“It would be a hypocrisy to ban pilgrims from entering, as well as moving people away from the garden of the Holy Virgin Mary, while we go out as if nothing were to happen. In no case should we send the message that we, here, are something different. We are sympathizing with the world and praying for this crisis to be overcome with as few consequences as possible,” a spokesman for the monastery, who confirmed that the number of pilgrims entering Mount Athos has decreased in recent days, told Ethnos.gr.
The Karyes Health Center and all authorities are fully alert, and information has been given on what will happen if an outbreak occurs, depending on whether it relates to a pilgrim or a monk.
Source: ethnos.gr
