Novice on Mount Athos jumps from ambulance during hospitalization

Ambulance on Mount Athos. Photo: Vima Orthodoxias

On May 7, 2026, a serious incident occurred on Mount Athos involving a novice of St. Paul’s Monastery, who jumped from a moving ambulance while being transported to a hospital in Halkidiki. This was reported by Vima Orthodoxias.

According to the outlet, the man was initially taken to the medical center in Karyes with severe chest pain. After examining him, doctors decided to transfer him outside Mount Athos for further treatment.

During transport toward Ouranoupoli, the novice was reportedly in a state of intense anxiety and confusion. At one point, he opened the ambulance door and jumped onto the roadway, sustaining multiple severe injuries.

Paramedics immediately stopped the vehicle and took the injured man first to the Polygyros hospital, after which he was transferred to Ippokrateio Hospital in Thessaloniki. According to doctors, the man is in critical condition, connected to a ventilator, and has suffered several cardiac arrests.

The monastic community of Mount Athos said the incident came as a major shock to the brotherhood. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident, while two ambulance workers were temporarily detained as part of standard procedure in a case involving negligent bodily injury.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that a Greek politician had warned of a “great trap” for the monks of Mount Athos.

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