According to Ethnos newspaper the cases of sick monks on Mount Athos are increasing, as in the whole country. In the last week alone, two monks have died and three have been intubated. One deceased monk is 59 years old from the hermitage “Little St. Anna”. According to Greek media, he expressed a desire to be vaccinated, but his old man did not allow him. The increase in the number of patients is due to the pilgrims, primarily from Romania, who enter Mount Athos with fake certificates, local media reported. At the entrances of Mount Athos, however, quick tests are performed on everyone.
The vaccination center in Korea has been resuming since November 16, as 170 requests for vaccines have been received over the phone. “There is an increase in vaccinations. In addition to those who come for the third dose, there are many who want to make the first, “said Konstantin Dokuzlis, head of the health center in Kareya, quoted by Ethnos newspaper. “The most extreme statement I have heard recently is from some monks who do not believe that such a disease exists. However, these are counted on the fingers. Attempts to persuade monks to be vaccinated will continue in the next period.
According to him, 30% of the monks have been vaccinated so far, ie between 400 and 500 of the 1,700 monks living on Mount Athos. The percentage reaches fifty, if the whole population of the monastic republic is taken into account, including the workers. About 20% are sick. There are nine dead monks.
The Greek edition of Ethnos writes that the processes on Mount Athos do not differ from those in other parts of the country. And there circulate various theories and opinions, as well as in society outside.
By the evening of November 9, seventeen new cases of sick monks who were not in serious condition had been registered at the Karea Health Center. Two boys from the Atoniada school with mild symptoms are under observation. There is not a single case in the monasteries of Xyropotam and the Great Lavra. According to the health services, the cases are from one monastery and so far no hospital treatment is required for them, but the monastery is under quarantine. At the moment, visitors are not accepted in “Pantokrator” and in the hermitage “St. Prophet Elijah ”, where fifteen of the monks were ill.
Entry to Mount Athos is restricted to pilgrims. Only those who are invited and have permission from the monastery that will receive them enter. They cannot move to another monastery. In Ouranoupolis, every visitor is tested, which for the last six months has been at the expense of the administrative manager of Mount Athos, Martinius, who is also a wealthy shipowner. In case of a positive result, the devotee is not allowed in the boat.
