President Christodoulides conducts pilgrimage to Mount Athos

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, traveled to Mount Athos on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for a two-day personal pilgrimage. Accompanied by government officials including Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis and Ambassador Stavros Avgoustidis, he was received with honors befitting a head of state by the Holy Community in Karyes, the administrative capital. The President venerated the "Axion Esti" icon at the Protaton Church before proceeding to visit the Monasteries of Gregoriou and Vatopedi.

During his time at the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, President Christodoulides met with Abbot Ephraim to discuss the national and social challenges facing Cyprus. Emphasizing the spiritual dimension of his visit, he stated that he arrived as a simple pilgrim without titles, requesting prayers for the Cypriot people. Abbot Ephraim praised the President's faith, noting the traditional imperial honors bestowed upon him during his visit to the monastery, which included a symbolic red carpet welcome typically reserved for heads of state.

This visit marks the President’s second pilgrimage to the Athonite peninsula since taking office, following his initial trip in March 2024. The President returned to Cyprus on Sunday, November 8, 2026, following his commitments in Thessaloniki, where he had previously been awarded an honorary doctorate.