Athos temples and monasteries affected by 5.3-magnitude earthquake

The fresco damaged by the earthquake on June 7, 2025. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

On June 7, 2025, an earthquake occurred on Mount Athos, causing damage to several monasteries and church buildings. Previously, seismic activity in the region had been observed since February 2025. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.

According to the Ministry of Culture of Greece, the 5.3-magnitude earthquake had a destructive impact on the structures in the monasteries of Xenophontos, Docheiariou, Pantokrator, and Simonos Petras (Simonopetra).

In the Xenophontos Monastery, the earthquake damaged the main 10th-century church with 16th-century frescoes: cracks appeared in the domes and arches, and the frescoes were partially damaged.

In the Docheiariou Monastery, 16th-century frescoes attributed to Tsorcis were damaged. Cracks and plaster detachment were noted in the refectory and passages.

In the Pantokrator Monastery, an inspection of the frescoes in the main church and chapels has begun. Damages were also identified in the Simonos Petras Monastery, including on the frescoes.

According to the Minister of Culture of Greece, a team of archaeologists and restorers has been working on Mount Athos since the first day of the earthquake. "The Ministry of Culture will provide all necessary assistance for the restoration of the damaged shrines," she emphasized.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that on May 1, 2025, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Mount Athos area.

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