Lavra

Zakharova, commenting on Kyiv's plans to expel the clergy from the Pochayev Lavra, called it "a new stage in the religious war".
"The new phase of the religious war in Ukraine initiated by the Kyiv regime will, of course, not lead to anything good. The consequences will be tragic," she said at a briefing on Thursday.

From the imposing monastery of Megiste Lavra to the Russian monastery, Mount Athos is a deeply mystifying place.

The all-male monastic community of Mount Athos in northern Greece reopened its doors to pilgrims on Monday, on the condition that they are in possession of the special permits required.

Entry is also allowed to all employees of the monasteries of the Athonite State. Visitors numbers, however, will be limited to 15 people per monastery.

Mount Athos, in northern Greece, is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The peninsula is a World Heritage Site and autonomous polity within Greece under the official name Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain and has its own flag.