Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, the eldest son of the late Constantine II of Greece, is expected to visit Mount Athos later this month for a pilgrimage of a deeply spiritual nature to the revered “Garden of the Virgin Mary.”
According to reports, the visit is expected to take place between March 26 and March 29 and will include a three-day pilgrimage to several historic monasteries of the Athonite State.
While the final program is still being finalized, sources indicate that Pavlos is likely to visit major monasteries including the Monastery of Great Lavra and the Karakalou Monastery, as well as other important centres of Athonite monastic life.
According to Athonite sources, the visit also carries personal significance. His father, the late King Constantine II, was known for his deep devotion to Mount Athos and frequently travelled to the monastic peninsula seeking prayer, reflection and spiritual guidance from the monks.
Pavlos’ visit is expected to focus primarily on the spiritual dimension of the Holy Mountain, including meetings with monks and participation in the daily liturgical services held in the monasteries.
Monks from the Athonite community note that such visits are common, as pilgrims from Greece and around the world travel to Mount Athos seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper experience of Orthodox monastic life.
For centuries, Mount Athos has remained one of the most important spiritual centres of Orthodox Christianity, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year who come to experience its traditions of prayer, ascetic life and monastic devotion.
The upcoming visit by Pavlos comes as the Athonite peninsula continues to draw increasing numbers of pilgrims from across the globe, maintaining a spiritual tradition that has endured for more than a thousand years.
For the monks of the Holy Mountain, every pilgrimage is an opportunity for spiritual dialogue and hospitality, as visitors are welcomed to share in prayer and reflection in what is traditionally known as the “Garden of the Virgin Mary.”
