Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew postpones visit to Mount Athos to be COVID-safe

 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey

In an effort to raise awareness in favour of COVID-19 vaccinations, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew postponed his much anticipated scheduled visit to Mount Athos.

The reason behind his decision is a pandemic outbreak in the historic monastic community located in northern Greece.

“With this decision, the ecumenical patriarch wishes to send a message in all directions about the need to vaccinate and to respect the protective measures against the coronavirus as the only safe way to overcome the deadly pandemic,” the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

The spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians will, however, visit Greece as part of his 30th anniversary as patriarch.

The Ecumenical Patriarch will be attending events organised in Athens by the Church of Greece and other organisations from 20 to 25 November.