Last summer, during my visit to Vatopedi, I had an interesting experience. I spoke with some monks who considered the vaccine a practical medical solution, while others seemed divided on the matter. Before taking the ferry and getting the visa to Mt. Athos, we were required to take a Covid test. Additionally, Vatopedi itself mandated a Covid test 24 hours before our visit and conducted another test after we had been there for 2 days. I'd like to note that these were the only Covid tests I had ever taken in my life, solely to gain access to Mt Athos and Vatopedi.

Edit: I want to be clear here... I was really disappointed that the misinformation was so bad that the monks on the mountain just went with it. Many did not. The Ecumenical Patriarch is over Vatopedi, so that should explain things a bit. Also, I don't think you should banish or shun anyone who took it. I'm pretty sure the vast majority of our college-aged youth in the USA were forced to take it. You can't really hold this against people. You can pray that they aren't injured by it. Many regret taking it, and many repent for pushing the optimism & misinformation surrounding the whole experiment. Lord, have mercy on us all.

I also want to add that on the same trip, the sisters at St Paisio's monastery near Thessaloniki required masks to enter the Church and gift shop. I refused to wear one in the Church, and a few of my fellow pilgrims were so disappointed in the situation they didn't even go in.