President Christodoulides conducts a pilgrimage to Mount Athos

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides arrived at Mount Athos on the morning of November 7, 2026, for a two-day personal pilgrimage. Upon his arrival at Karyes, the peninsula's capital, he was officially received by the Holy Community before visiting the Church of the Protaton to venerate the historic “Axion Esti” icon. His itinerary included visits to the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou, where he was welcomed by Abbot Christoforos, and the Monastery of Vatopedi. The President is scheduled to return to Cyprus on Sunday.

This visit marks the President’s second trip to the monastic center since taking office. His initial visit, originally planned following an invitation in October 2023, was postponed due to the onset of the Gaza crisis and ultimately took place in March 2024. Mount Athos, a site of continuous monastic life since the founding of the Great Lavra in 963, operates under unique historical privileges of self-governance. The area maintains strict entry regulations, traditionally barring women from visiting the peninsula, a practice that has been in place for centuries.