Monasteries, hermitages and cells do not accept other visitors until St. Friday – Crowds of people and during litanies after Easter
After three years of bans and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the pilgrims returned to Mount Athos to celebrate Easter.
Only last Lazarus Saturday, 900 people arrived with the ships of the line and water taxis, while only minimal and exceptional lodgings are now given, as monasteries, hermitages and cells cannot accommodate other guests.
The serenity and tranquility that the Mount exudes, combined with the Byzantine formality in the services and liturgies, lead many pilgrims to choose it for Easter.
The majority of visitors are this year Greeks, while from the foreign nationalities, as mentioned by sources from the Athonian State, stand out the Romanians who arrive organized, even with groups of tourist offices. In contrast to previous years, when Russian pilgrims landed… this year few Russians will be on Athos, mainly those with European passports.
The occupancy of the monasteries’ accommodation surpasses all previous ones until Good Friday, while on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday there are fewer visitors, mainly those who want to experience the Resurrection in a festive atmosphere, with bells ringing that can be heard throughout the peninsula Acquitted.
From Easter Monday, a large number of believers are expected in the monasteries for the litanies of the icons.
The Monday after Easter is the most festive day for Mount Athosas the litany of his image takes place Worth it from Prototo. Representatives from all the monasteries accompany the procession with their own icons and relics of saints. The litany starts from the Temple of Protatus and returns to it after a 4-5 hour journey and stops at konakia and sketes, where everyone, monks and lay people, are offered treats, such as eggs, buns, red wine, nuts and cheese.
On Easter Tuesday, the litanies of icons from other monasteries follow, with the most prominent being those of Panagia Portaitissa from the Holy Monastery of Iveron and of Panagia Foveras Protection from the Holy Monastery of Koutloumoussiou.
Source: Skai
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