Although it was announced that Simon Reeve would show his journey to the Peloponnese tonight, but to my surprize he ended up in the North of Greece, where he filmed his visit to the Holy Mountain. First he takes the ferry at the Athos West coast, but in the second part he pays a visit to the Holy Mountain (2.44 min) , but not in the usual way!
What I expected for a some years was shown by Simon tonight. The monks of Esfigmenou (and Simon Reeve) use the hole in the fence at Komitsa beach to cross the Mount Athos border illegal ! This summer I took these pictures of the fence and border at Komitsa:
Athos - Agios Oros 
Simon Reeve (born 21 July 1972) is an English author and television presenter, currently based in London. He makes travel documentaries in little-known areas of the world and has written books on international terrorism, modern history and his adventures. I think the monks from Mount Athos didn’t gave him permission to visit the Holy Mountain. That is why he only makes a trip (with the Agia Anna) along the westcoast.
Reeve says: We were only allowed to film in one monastery, Esphigmenou, which is home to around 100 rebel monks who have effectively broken away from the church and are doing their own thing. They’ve been accused of squatting, so it’s a tricky but fascinating situation. We were given a tour and saw some of the common areas where normal life goes on: the wood-chopping shed, where they brew rakia, and the chocolate factory. They might not have temptations of the flesh, but there are certainly other temptations around…..
I believe that Vasilis is right. The BBC journalist didn’t get permission to film on Athos so he trespassed and illegaly entered the Holy Mountain. I wonder what the Athos authorities in Karyes think of this illegal action. It is kind of insulting I think. I am also curious what the Friend of Mount Athos think of this behaviour of the BBC.
It’s a shame for these journalists to trespass in Mount Athos and support the schismatics of Esphigmenou! I am sure that the Athos authorities will issue a formal complaint against BBC’s actions. By the way, where can I find some OLD PHOTOS of Esphigmenou, e.g. from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s?
Hello fellow lover of the mountain of our Panagia. I would seriously do your research before you call the monks of Esphigmenou SCHISMATICS!!!. I would start looking at the Patriach in Istanbul . VERY CHRISTIAN OF HIM and his followers NOT !!!!!! and he is supposed to the head of our church. I would rather respect a monk from the TRUE Esfigmenou than anybody who supports the actions and belief system of the Patriarchy.
Athos weblog is not a forum for religious discussion (but everybody is allowed to share their opinion – the webmaster Wim)
See http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/91366.htm
The Holy Community has sent the Φ.2/34/430 document (21.5/5.3.2016) to the Civil Governor Mr. Aristos Kasmiroglou, which is rather strict.
😉