ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Christian Orthodox believers know Greece's heavily-forested northern peninsula of Mount Athos as the "Orchard of the Virgin Mary," but women have been strictly barred from entering it for more than a thousand years. Located a few kilometers (miles) away from busy seaside resorts in Greece's Halkidiki region, access is only allowed by sea, in tiny ferries for those carrying a permit to visit a specific monastery. Byzantine emperors in Constantinople — whose Patriarch still leads the Mount Athos community on religious matters — encouraged the settlement, heaping treasures, protection and privileges on the monasteries. Even Greece's European Union membership status contains provisions for Mount Athos to retain its special status. The EU has contributed substantial funds for the conservation and restoration of its buildings and their treasures, which include centuries-old wall-paintings and icons, manuscripts and religious artifacts. Rumored breaches include one by refugees fleeing Nazi occupation forces, and a woman dressed as a man was caught shortly after World War II.
Comment on Things to know about Mount Athos: 1,500 monks, no women
By NICHOLAS PAPHITIS, Associated Press, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Living
Sat, 05/28/2016 - 6:01am
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