MR Code I

THE LEGAL CODE OF THE SERENE MONASTIC REPUBLIC OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

DEFINITIONS

• The Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain is the full name of the sovereign nation, abbreviated as SMRHM.
• The Monastic Republic is the shortened name of the sovereign nation, abbreviated as MR.
• Mount Athos is the name of the mountain at the end of the peninsula.
• The Holy Mountain is the name of the restricted territory which is the location of the monasteries.
• The Lowland (η Βραχάρουπα/ι Βραχάρυπ – i Vrächárup) is the name of the land between the Holy Mountain and the border with Greece.
• The Isles (οι Νήσοι/i Νίσι – i Nísi) is the name of the several islands and islets that lie in the Aegean Sea to the west of the mainland portion of the Monastic Republic.
  • Ämänúl (Αμμανούλι/Αμανύλ) is the name of the largest of the islands.
  • The Islets (τα Νησάκια/τα Νισάκια - tø nisákiä) is the collective name of the small uninhabited islets near Ammanouli.

TITLE TWO – THE ARCHIMANDRITE

Public Law No. 2 [Duties of the Archimandrite] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The executive power of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain is vested in the Archimandrite.
• §2 The Archimandrite shall be appointed from the Greek hegumens in a rotation determined by the seniority of the monasteries for a term of five years at the Advent meeting.
• §3 The newly elected Archimandrite shall be ordained a bishop during the Divine Liturgy by the outgoing Archimandrite at the Advent meeting.
• §4 After his ordination the new Archimandrite shall take his oath in the presence of the other nineteen Hegumens who shall affirm their fealty by a gesture to be determined by Law.
• §5 Every Archimandrite shall declare orally upon his honor and dignity the following oath: “I swear by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to observe the Constitution of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain and its other laws, and to observe the independence and the territorial integrity of this Serene Monastic Republic.” He shall then sign his name to this oath.
• §6 This oath shall be administered to the new Archimandrite during the Divine Liturgy by the outgoing Archimandrite and witnessed by the signatures of the nineteen Hegumens.
• §7 Should the office of Archimandrite become vacant before the end of the term, the Hegumen next in the order of rotation shall be sworn in and begin his five-year term.
• §8 The Archimandrite shall draw up any treaties to be presented to the Holy Synod for approval.
• §9 The Archimandrite shall represent the Monastic Republic in all its relations with foreign countries.
• §10 The Archimandrite shall accredit apokrisiarioi of the Monastic Republic to foreign nations. Foreign envoys shall present their credentials to the Archimandrite.
• §11 The Archimandrite shall provide protection and assistance to citizens living or traveling abroad.
• §12 The Archimandrite shall assist businesses of the Monastic Republic in the international marketplace.
• §13 The Archimandrite shall coordinate and provide support for international activities of other Government agencies, official visits overseas and at home, and other diplomatic efforts.
• §14 The Archimandrite shall keep the citizens informed about the Monastic Republic’s foreign policy and relations with other countries and provide feedback from the citizens to administration officials.
• §15 The texts of the sovereign resolutions issued on his proposal shall be signed by the Archimandrite personally.
• §16 The Archimandrite shall provide for the Civil Service required for the government agencies.
• §17 The Archimandrite shall supervise the taking of the quinquennial census.
• §18 The Archimandrite shall monitor the lawful and uninterrupted conduct of business by the Court of Justice and notify the Supreme Tribunal of any irregularities observed.
• §19 Passports shall be issued by the Archimandrite.
• §20 The Archimandrite shall submit an annual report on his official activities to the Holy Synod.
• §21 The Archimandrite shall visit each town at least quarterly to discuss affairs with the demarchs and to listen to the citizens.

TITLE THREE - THE HOLY SYNOD

Public Law No. 4 [The Hegumens] (2/16/2009)

• §1 The legislative power of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain is vested in the Holy Synod, that is, the twenty hegumens of the Holy Mountain.
• §2 Election of the hegumen takes place according to each monastery’s practice.
• §3 The Holy Synod shall meet on the first Monday of every month.
• §4 If the monthly meeting of the Holy Synod must be cancelled, it must be rescheduled as soon as possible.
• §5 Each hegumen may bring with him one or two assistants who, however, may not attend the meeting of the Holy Synod. They shall keep themselves ready should their hegumen need assistance.
• §6 If a hegumen is unable to attend a meeting of the Holy Synod, he may appoint a representative with plenary power to attend the meeting. This representative may also bring with him one or two assistants who, however, may not attend the meeting of the Holy Synod. They shall keep themselves ready should their hegumen need assistance.
• §7 After celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Synod will meet to discuss and approve of or disapprove of the business of the Holy Mountain at hand.
• §8 Should a hegumen die during his tenure, an immediate election of a new hegumen shall be held who shall then begin his two-year term on the Holy Synod.
• §9 The twenty monasteries of the Holy Mountain in order of seniority are:
  • 1. St. Athanasius
  • 2. Annunciation
  • 3. St. John the Baptist
  • 4. Transfiguration
  • 5. Holy Archangels
  • 6. Sts. Peter and Paul
  • 7. St. Philotheus
  • 8. Presentation of Jesus
  • 9. St. George
  • 10. Theophany
  • 11. Ascension
  • 12. Forty Martyrs of Sebaste
  • 13. St. George
  • 14. St. John the Iberian
  • 15. St. John the Iberian
  • 16. St. Sava
  • 17. St. Pantaleimon
  • 18. St. Nicholas
  • 19. St. Maroun
  • 20. St. Thomas
• §11 In this law, the title hegumen refers also to the abbots of the non-Orthodox monasteries.

TITLE FOUR - COAT OF ARMS, SEAL AND FLAG AND NATIONAL EMBLEMS

Public Law No. 5 [Coat of Arms, Seal and Flag and National Emblems] (2/16/2009)

• 1 The coat of arms and the seal of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain shall be emblazoned as “White, an equilateral triangle vert surmounted of a Greek cross or; a bordure compony of twenty or and gules.”
• §2 The national colors shall be red, green and gold.
• §3 The flag of the Monastic Republic shall be of the same design as the coat of arms, in the ratio of 1:1.
• §4 The maritime ensign shall be the national flag without the cross and surmounted by a silver anchor.
• §5 The aviation roundel shall be the green equilateral triangle surmounted by the golden Greek cross on a white roundel surrounded by a gold circle and then a red circle.
• §6 The Flag shall fly 24 hours a day, regardless of weather, in the plateia of the three demes, in the capital of Karyes, and in the military post of Dafni.
• §7 Flag etiquette for the Monastic Republic shall be the same as that for the , with the exception that infractions of flag etiquette shall be subject to criminal penalties as legislated by Law.
• §8 The National Anthem is She Set Her Foot.
• §9 The olive blossom (Olea europaea) shall be the national flower of the Monastic Republic.
• §10 The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) shall be the national bird of the Monastic Republic.

Public Law No. 27 [The Flag Code]

This Flag Code Act formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which respect is given to the national flag.

• §1 Specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.
  • a. The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  • b. The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of green, gold and red stripes is available for these purposes. The green stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
  • c. The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
  • d. The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, gendarmes and members of patriotic organizations.
  • e. The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
  • f. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
  • g. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
  • h. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
  • i. When a flag is so worn that it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of the Monastic Republic, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
  • j. A flag no longer fit to serve may be taken to any gendarmery post for disposal.
• §2 Displaying the Flag Outdoors
  • a. When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the top point of the triangle should point away from the building.
  • b. When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag, of a state, community, or society, the flag of the Monastic Republic must always be at the top.
  • c. When the flag is displayed over a street or over a sidewalk, it should be hung horizontally, with the top point of the triangle pointing up.
  • d. When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the Monastic Republic is always placed in the position of honor, to its own right.
  • e. The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger.
  • f. No other flag may ever be placed above it.
  • g. The flag of the Monastic Republic is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
  • h. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
  • i. Every public building shall display the flag either on a staff projecting from the building or on a flagpole in front of the building.
  • j. Every monastery shall display the flag on a flagpole at the entrance to the monastery.
  • k. Every vessel licensed in the Monastic Republic shall display the ensign from a staff at the stern of the vessel.
  • l. Every aircraft licensed in the Monastic Republic shall display the flag painted on both sides of the fuselage.
  • m. The flag shall be displayed 24 hours a day in the center of the plateia of each town.
  • n. The flag of the deme, of a smaller size, shall be displayed with the flag in the plateia on the same pole as and under the flag of the Monastic Republic.
• §3 Raising and Lowering the Flag
  • a. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously.
  • b. With the exception of §2m, the flag is displayed only between sunrise and sunset.
  • c. The flag of the Monastic Republic is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
• §4 Displaying the Flag Indoors
  • a. When on display, the flag of the Monastic Republic is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
  • b. The flag of the Monastic Republic should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of nations, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
  • c. When one flag is used with the flag of the Monastic Republic and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the Monastic Republic is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
  • d. When displaying the flag against a wall horizontally, the top point of the triangle should be at the top. It is never displayed vertically.
• §5 Parading and Saluting the Flag
  • When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the Monastic Republic may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
• §6 The Salute
  • To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
• §7 The National Anthem
  • a. The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.
  • b. When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
• §8 The Flag in Mourning
  • a. To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered.
  • b. The flag is to be flown at half staff for eight days in mourning at the death of an archimandrite, incumbent or retired; of a hegumen or abbot, incumbent or retired; and of a demarch, incumbent or retired.
  • c. The flag is to be flown at half staff on the Saturday of Meatfare Week, the second Saturday of Great Lent, the third Saturday of Great Lent, and the fourth Saturday of Great Lent
  • d. The archimandrite may also designate other times when the flag is to be flown at half mast.
  • e. When used to cover a casket, the upper point of the triangle points to the left side of the deceased. It should not be lowered into the grave, but folded ceremoniously and given to the next of kin.

TITLE FIVE – INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

Public Law No. 7 [Levied Taxes] (2/16/2009)

• §1 A tax, known as the income tax, shall be levied annually on all income above a minimum amount. This income applies to citizens, businesses, and the monasteries. It is not levied on churches or public institutions.
• §2 A two percent tax, known as the tourist tax, shall be levied on the charges required by hostelries.
• §3 A two percent sales tax shall be levied on the sales of all merchandise.
  • a. Churches and public institutions shall be exempt from the sales tax.
  • b. A purchaser from such an institution shall present a sales exempt certificate to the merchant at the time of the purchase. No tax-exempt purchase may be made without it.
  • c. Individuals below a certain income shall be given a sales exempt certificate which shall be presented to the merchant at the time of the purchase. No tax-exempt purchase may be made without it.
• §4 No sales taxes shall be levied on food items or on drugs prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the Monastic Republic or in the Hellenic Kingdom.
• §5 A three percent sales tax shall be levied on the purchase of all alcoholic beverages.
• §6 The wines produced by the monasteries shall be exempt from this sales tax.
• §7 A transportation tax of two percent shall be included in the fares requested for taxi service.

TITLE SIX – MONEY AND FINANCE

Public Law No. 8 (2/16/2009)

• §1 The currency of the Monastic Republic shall be that of the Hellenic Kingdom.
• §2 There shall be no deficit spending.

TITLE NINE – GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES

Public Law No. 9 (2/16/2009)

• In this law, the title hegumen refers also to the abbots of the non-Orthodox monasteries.
• Chapter 1 [The Holy Council]
  • §1 The Holy Council consists of four hegumens appointed in rotation from the four groups of five monasteries. The four groups are:
    • a. The Eastern group: St. Athanasius, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Philotheus, St. John the Iberian, St. Nicholas
    • b. The Northern group: Annunciation, St. George, St. Sava, Ascension, Transfiguration
    • c. The Western group: St. John the Baptist, Presentation, Theophany, St. Thomas, Forty Martyrs of Sebaste
    • d. The Center group: Holy Cross, St. Pantaleimon, St. George the Painter, Holy Archangels, St. Maroun
  • §2 Any hegumen who feels that he is not qualified for the position may defer to the hegumen next in the rotation.
  • §3 No hegumen on the Holy Council may be from the same monastery as the Archimandrite.

• Chapter 2 [The Hegumen Seneschal]
  • §1 The hegumen from the Eastern group on the Holy Council shall function as Seneschal of the Monastic Republic.
  • §2 The Hegumen Seneschal shall advise the Archimandrite on all matters economic and financial.
  • §3 The Hegumen Seneschal shall supervise the collection of all revenues of the Monastic Republic.
  • §4 The Hegumen Seneschal shall prepare the annual budget and present it to the Archimandrite for presentation to the Holy Synod.
  • §5 The Hegumen Seneschal shall set the inflation target which the Bank of the Monastic Republic must set interest rates to meet.
  • §6 The Hegumen Seneschal shall initiate all tax measures.
  • §7 The Hegumen Seneschal shall advise the Archimandrite on urgent expenditures not included in the budget.

• Chapter 3 [The Hegumen Constable]
  • §1 The hegumen from the Northern group on the Holy Council shall function as Constable of the Monastic Republic.
  • §2 The Hegumen Constable shall advise The Archimandrite on all matters of national security.
  • §3 The Hegumen Constable is the national security policy advisor to the Archimandrite. He is responsible for the formulation of security policies and for the execution of approved policy.
  • §4 The Hegumen Constable shall monitor the prisons and supervise the treatment of prisoners on remand and of convicts.
  • §5 The Hegumen Constable shall prepare identification cards for the citizens of the Monastic Republic.
  • §6 The Hegumen Constable shall recruit citizens for service in the Gendarmery.
  • §7 The Hegumen Constable shall recommend to the Archimandrite suitable citizens to be awarded commissions in the Gendarmery.
  • §8 The Hegumen Constable shall provide for animal control in the Monastic Republic.

• Chapter 4 [Hegumen Castellan]
  • §1 The hegumen from the Western group on the Holy Council shall function as Castellan of the Monastic Republic.
  • §2 The Hegumen Castellan shall advise the Archimandrite on all matters concerning the real property of the Monastic Republic.
  • §3 The Hegumen Castellan shall supervise the maintenance and repair of the real property of the Monastic Republic.
  • §4 The Hegumen Castellan shall supervise the beautification of the real property of the Monastic Republic.
  • §5 The Hegumen Castellan shall supervise the care and use of the Monastic Republic’s territorial waters.
  • §6 The Hegumen Castellan shall supervise the environmental issues and activities of the Monastic Republic.
  • §7 The Hegumen Castellan shall protect the historical, artistic and cultural legacy entrusted to the Monastic Republic.
  • §8 The Hegumen Castellan shall maintain the roads of the Lowland and the Isles.

• Chapter 4 [Hegumen Archiater]
  • §1 The hegumen from the Central group on the Holy Council shall function as Archiater of the Monastic Republic.
  • §2 The Hegumen Archiater shall advise The Archimandrite on all matters concerning the health and education of the Citizens.
  • §3 The Hegumen Archiater shall supervise the educational system of the Monastic Republic.
  • §4 The Hegumen Archiater shall supervise the hospital, the clinics, and the private practices of physicians in the Monastic Republic.
  • §5 The Hegumen Archiater shall provide for the rescue and medical emergency measures of the Monastic Republic.
  • §6 The Hegumen Archiater shall maintain the purity of the Monastic Republic’s water supply.
  • §7 The Hegumen Archiater shall supervise the health standards of the Monastic Republic’s public accomodations.

TITLE TEN – DOMESTIC SECURITY Public Law No. 9 (2/16/2009) Chapter I [Preface] §1 For purposes of national security, the Sere Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain recognizes three types of individuals: citizens, resident aliens, and tourists. §2 Stateless individuals and aliens without employment may neither enter nor reside in the Monastic Republic. §3 Tourists may stay only in facilities established for that purpose. §4 Tourists may be guests in the homes of citizens with the express approval of the Hegumen Constable at the request of the citizen-host.

Chapter II [Identification] Article 1 [Citizens’ Passports] §1 Passports shall conform to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. All such passports shall contain biometric data. §2 The passport cover shall be red with gold lettering and the pages light green. The cover shall contain the complete coat-of-arms of the Monastic Republic with the words “η Γαληνότατη Μοναστική Δημοκρατία Αγίου Όρους” across the top in gold letters and the words “The Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain” across the bottom in gold letters. §3 Passports shall be issued in Greek and in English. §4 The introduction to the passports of the Monastic Republic shall read, “His Grace, the Archmandrite of the Holy Mountain, requests, in the Name of the People of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain, of all whom it may concern that the bearer of this passport be allowed to pass without let or hindrance and, in case of need, be given all lawful assistance and protection." §5 Applications for a passport for a minor require the signature of both parents or guardians should there be two.

Article 2 [Alien Passports] §1 Passports shall be accepted from the citizen of any country with which the Monastic Republic has diplomatic relations. §2 Citizens of the Hellenic Kingdom do not need a passport to enter the Monastic Republic, but they must have on their persons at all times a government identification card of some sort which contains a current photograph. This government identification card must be presented when making any purchase within the Monastic Republic. §3 If accused of a crime in the Monastic Republic, a non-resident shall surrender his passport or identification card to the lawful authority. These shall be returned to the bearer if he is acquitted of the crime. If convicted, they shall be retained by the lawful authority until the sentence adjudicated shall have been served.

Article 3 [Identification Cards] §1 Every citizen shall be issued an identification card, light green in color, which must be carried on the person at all times. This card shall contain the full name of the bearer, his current photograph, a photograph in digital format, his identification number, his current address, his birth date, both thumb prints, his blood type, and other items to be determined by Law. Identification cards shall not contain any reference to the bearer’s religion. §2 The identification cards of monks need not be carried on their person, but may be kept by their hegumen in a secure place. Should the monk leave the Holy Mountain, he must carry his identification care with him. §3 Resident aliens are those individuals who have entered the Monastic Republic with the intent of becoming citizens at the expiration of the ten-year waiting period. These shall likewise be issued identification cards, light blue in color, which shall contain the same information as the citizen identification card. The card shall also contain the date at which the alien’s residency is to expire. §4 Non-resident aliens are those who reside temporarily in the Monastic Republic for business purposes. These shall likewise be issued identification cards, light red in color, which shall contain the same information as the citizen identification card. The card shall also contain the date at which the alien’s residency is to expire. §3 These identification cards shall, when requested, be shown to any member of the Gendarmery who so identifies himself. It shall also be lawful for a merchant or any of his staff to view this identification card when the bearer makes a purchase. §4 All sales receipts of purchases by a non-resident shall contain the identification number of the non-resident. §5 These identification cards must be presented when opening any kind of bank account in the Monastic Republic or when initiating any type of financial venture.

Chapter II [Firearms] §1 Possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Monastic Republic is prohibited. To do so is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence. §2 Licenses may be granted to own a firearm only for those firearms that can be used legitimately for sport. A notation that such a license has been granted shall be made in the Citizens’ Registry and on the individual’s identification card. The definition of sport is at the discretion of the Hegumen Constable. §3 Application for a license to possess a firearm must be accompanied by a psychological profile attesting to the fitness to handle a firearm responsibly attested to by a psychiatrist or psychologist licenses to practice in the MR, and a certificate asserting that one has passed the required course in how to handle the weapon for which the license is requested. §3 It shall be illegal to bring any type of firearm into the Monastic Republic without express approval of the Hegumen Constable. To do so is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence. §4 The commission of a crime using a firearm, real or presumed, is a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.

TITLE ELEVEN – WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE Public Law No. 10 (2/16/2009) §1 A treaty shall be entered into with the Hellenic Kingdom to provide for national defense. §2 Any activity in the Monastic Republic which threatens the security of the Hellenic Kingdom shall be considered a felony and shall be dealt with according to the Law, which shall include a mandatory prison sentence.

TITLE TWELVE – THE GENDARMERY Public Law No. 10 (2/16/2009) §1 A detachment of Gendarmery shall be maintained in each of the demes. §2 The Gendarmery of the Monastic Republic is tasked with: a. maintaining law and public order; b. investigating crime in accordance with the principles of the Code of Criminal Procedure; c. controlling and supervising road traffic; d. assisting authorities to fulfill their duties in keeping with the respective laws and provisions; e. preventing crime and accidents; f. assisting in cases of natural or man-made disasters, g. searching for persons reported missing, and h. staffing the customs stations. §3 The Gendarmery shall consist of a colonel in charge, six assisting officers and a minimum of 50 enlisted personnel. §4 Constabulary personnel may be deprived of rank, honours, and pensions only in the manner described by Law. §5 Gendarmery personnel may enter the Holy Mountain only by invitation.

TITLE THIRTEEN – PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES TITLE FOURTEEN – VETERANS’ BENEFITS

TITLE FIFTEEN – EDUCATION Public Law No. 11 (2/16/2009) §1 A museum to be called the Museum of Athonite Antiquities shall be housed in the Byzantine Tower, so that the treasures of the Monastic Republic can be made available to women. §2 The museum is to be provided with the latest technological safeguards to protect the antiquities which are housed within its walls. §3 A researcher, man or woman, may request of the Hegumen Castellan that a certain work of art or certain works of art by made available to him or her at the museum.

TITLE SIXTEEN – PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE TITLE SEVENTEEN - HOSPITALS TITLE EIGHTEEN – ARBITRATION

TITLE NINETEEN – THE CENSUS Public Law No. 13 (2/16/2009) §1 A census of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain shall be taken every five years. §2 The information to be included in the census shall be recorded immediately in the registers of the townships and the monasteries as the data is acquired. §3 The Hegumen Seneschal shall present the cost of hiring temporary workers for the census to the Hegumen Seneschal for inclusion in the Annual Budget.

TITLE TWENTY – COMMERCE AND TRADE Public Law No. 14 (2/16/2009) §1 Cattle and horses shall not be permitted within the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain. §2 Exceptions shall be made for the island of Ammanouli, should a citzen be willing to incur the expense of maintaining horses. §3 The Hegumen Archiater shall keep a close watch on the health and well-being of any such horses stabled on the island of Ammanouli. §4 Citizens may keep donkeys and goats, but they must be strictly controlled. All such livestock must be permanently tagged with information that will identify the owner. Such tagging shall be carried out through the office of the Hegumen Seneschal. §5 A penalty to be determined by law shall be enacted from any citizen whose livestock is found on the Holy Mountain. §6 Any type of domestic fowl may be kept by the citizens, but they must be strictly controlled. §7 Dogs and cats may be kept as household pets in the Monastic Republic. a. Dogs, when off the citizen’s property, must be on a leash and in the control of the citizen at all times. b. Cats must be kept in the citizen’s house at all times. They may be allowed to wander. Any cat so found shall be caught by the Animal Control. §8 Every dog and cat must be permanently tagged with information that will identify the owner. §9 Every dog and cat must be neutered. Only citizens who own licensed kennels for the purpose of breeding may possess un-neutered dogs and cat.

TITLE TWENTY-ONE – CONSERVATION Public Law No. 15 (2/16/2009) §1 The entire Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain, including its territorial waters, shall be protected as a Natural Wildlife Sanctuary. §2 Scuba diving is not permitted in the territorial waters of the Monastic Republic. Skin-diving and snorkeling are permitted.

TITLE TWENTY-TWO – COPYRIGHTS

TITLE TWENTY-THREE – CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE Public Law No. 16 (2/16/2009) Chapter 1 [Definitions] §1 The following crimes shall be considered felonies: aggravated assault and/or battery, abortion, arson, burglary, illegal drug abuse/sales, embezzlement, grand theft, treason, espionage, racketeering, robbery, murder, rape, kidnapping, and fraud. Commission of these felonies is punishable with mandatory imprisonment, the length of which is to be determined by Law. They are also punishable with punitive damages and/or compensation to the victim, the amount of which is to be determined by Law. §2 Assault is defined as any act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence. Aggravated assault and/or battery is defined as assault with evidence of a deadly weapon, real or presumed, which may be an object or a part of the human body. §3 Any person involved in procuring an abortion shall be subject to the penalties of Law when he or she returns to the Monastic Republic.

Chapter 2 [Penalties] §1 Felons lose their right to vote, are ineligible to run for public office, may not sit on a jury, and may not hold any government position. §2 Felons may not have in their possession any kind of firearm, ammunition or body armor. §3 A felon who is not a citizen of the Monastic Republic, i.e., a tourist, a resident alien, or a non-resident alien shall be deported after completion of the sentence. §4 After completing one-fifth of the sentence adjudicated, the Archimandrite may commute the remainder of the sentence of the non-citizen to deportation. §5 Should his home nation request that the non-citizen felon be returned, an indemnification will be required of the home nation.

TITLE TWENTY-FOUR– CUSTOMS DUTIES Public Law No. 17 (2/16/2009) §1 The Deme of Ouranoupoli shall be the only point of entry into and exit from the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain. §2 The Law shall provide for duties on items brought into the Monastic Republic by citizens from nations other than the Hellenic Kingdom. §3 By treaty with the Hellenic Kingdom, citizens of the Monastic Republic carrying valid passports, shall be exempt from any customs duties when entering the Hellenic Kingdom at any port of entry, provided they are destined immediately for their home in the Monastic Republic.

TITLE TWENTY-FIVE – FOOD AND DRUGS

TITLE TWENTY-SIX – INTOXICATING LIQUORS Public Law No. 18 (2/16/2009) §1 All alcoholic beverages, with the exception of beer and ale, will be sold in state-operated stores.

TITLE TWENTY-SEVEN – FOREIGN RELATIONS AND INTERCOURSE Public Law No. 25 (2/16/2009) §1 The post of diplomatic representation from the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Moutain to another nation is not compatible with the holding of any other public office.

TITLE TWENTY-EIGHT - TRANSPORTATION Public Law No. 19 (2/16/2009) §1 The aviation code for the helicoters of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain shall be DM. §2 Toll ferry service from Ouranoupoli to Ammanouli and to Dafni shall be provided. §3 A toll electric trolley service shall be provided for intraurban and interurban service in the Lowlands. §4 Taxi service by means of non-fossil fuel vehicles may be offered by citizens. Such service shall require a license from the Hegumen Constable. Fares for such services shall be established by Law.

TITLE TWENTY-NINE – ROADS Public Law No. 20 (2/16/2009) §1 Paved roads shall be maintained in the Lowland and the Isles.

TITLE THIRTY – NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS TITLE THIRTY-ONE – JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE TITLE THIRTY-TWO - LABOR

TITLE THIRTY-THREE – PATENTS Public Law No. 21 (2/16/2009) By treaty, an arrangement will be made with the Hellenic Kingdomto handle patents and trademarks of the citizens of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain.

TITLE THIRTY-FOUR – PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND OBSERVANCES Public Law No. 22 (2/16/2009) §1 The following public days of rest shall be observed in the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain: a. January 6 (January 7 if January 6 falls on a Sunday), the Theophany; b. February 2 (February 3 if January 2 falls on a Sunday), the Presentation of Christ; c. Good Friday; d. Easter Monday; e. Ascension Thursday; f. Pentecost Monday; g. June 29 (June 30 if June 29 falls on a Sunday), Sts. Peter and Paul; h. the first Monday of September in election years; i. August 15 (August 16 if August 15 falls on a Sunday), the Dormition; j. September 8 (September 9 if September 8 falls on a Sunday), the Birth of the Virgin. k. November 1 (November 2 if November 1 falls on a Sunday), All Saints Day; l. December 8 (December 9 if December 8 falls on a Sunday), the Immaculate Conception; m. December 24, Christmas Eve; n. December 25, Christmas Day; if December 25 falls on a Sunday, then December 26 as well. §2 Those who do not profess the Orthodox Faith must be given as many as 13 free days with pay annually in compensation, provided that they work on the public days of rest. §3 Employees must notify their employers before the beginning of the calendar of which compensatory days they will take. §4 Those who change employment during the year may not avail themselves of the privilege of §2, unless the new employer is agreeable.

TITLE THIRTY-FIVE – POSTAL SERVICE Public Law No. 22 (2/16/2009) Chapter 1 [General} §1 By treaty with the Hellenic Kingdom, the postage of the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain will be put on a par with that of the Republic of Greece. §2 Any change in postal rates in the Hellenic Kingdom will be reflected automatically in the rates in the Monastic Republic. §3 Postal rates for delivery within the Monastic Republic will be determined by Law. Only stamps of the Monastic Republic may be used for posted within the Monastic Republic. §4 A commission shall be established to design the artwork for the stamps of the Monastic Republic. These designs will be submitted to the Archimandrite for his approval. §5 Enough postal stamps shall be printed to satisfy both postal needs and philatelic needs.

Chapter 2 [Penalty Mail] §1 The following are entitled to the use of penalty mail: a. the Archimandrite and the Hegumens for their official business; b. Members of the Justiciary and their staffs when discharging their official function; c. those so designated in the Gendarmery when discharging their official function; §2 Penalty envelopes shall be printed with the name of the agent using them in the upper left hand corner.

TITLE THIRTY-SIX – PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PROPERTY AND WORKS TITLE THIRTY-SEVEN - PUBLIC CONTRACTS

TITLE THIRTY-EIGHT – PUBLIC LANDS Public Law No. 23 (2/16/2009) §1 All real property belongs to the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain. No citizen may own real property. §2 Citizens may build their own homes or businesses on public land by agreement with the Hegumen Seneschal. They shall own the building but not the land on which it is built. §3 No building constructed in the Monastic Republic may be taller than three stories. This shall be applied to the monasteries themselves, but does apply to any building constructed by the monasteries. §4 Any building constructed in the Monastic Republic shall be constructed so as to be earthquake and fire resistant.

TITLE THIRTY-NINE – PUBLIC PRINTING AND DOCUMENTS TITLE FORTY – TELEGRAPHS, TELEPHONES, RADIOTELEGRAPHS AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

TITLE FORTY-ONE – ALIENS AND NATIONALITY Public Law No. 24 (2/16/2009) Chapter I [Naturalization] §1 Citizenship in the Serene Monastic Republic of the Holy Mountain, as well as its legal effects, is acquired, kept and lost in accordance with the Law. §2 There is to be no immigration quota system. Those wishing to become citizens of the Monastic Republic shall be treated on a first-come, first-served basis and at the discretion of the Holy Synod. §3 The acquisition of citizenship in the Monastic Republic by a foreign national is regulated by Law which requires, inter alia, the fulfillment of the following conditions: a. that he can speak and write Greek; b. that he be gainfully employed in the Monastic Republic; c. that he has formally and legally renounced citizenship of any other country; d. that he has resided in the Monastic Republic for at least ten years; and e. that, in the five years preceding taking the oath of citizenship, he has not been out of the Monastic Republic more than 30 days in any one calendar year. §4 The requirements of §3 do not apply to the monks on the Holy Mountain. Monks gain citizenship automatically upon acceptance into the monastery by the Hegumen. §5 Identification data of newly admitted monks must be sent immediately to the office of the Hegumen Constable. §6 With the exception of voting, a foreign national who has officially announced his intention to become a Monrovian citizen, and who is in his ten-year residency, is accorded all the rights and privileges of a citizen. §7 A person of foreign nationality who is married to a citizen of the Monastic Republic may acquire citizenship after residing in the Monastic Republic for only five years, provided that the conditions of §3a, §3c, and §3e have been fulfilled. §8 A child of adoptive parents, one of whom is a citizen of the Monastic Republic and who resides in the Monastic Republic, acquires citizenship upon legal recognition of the adoption by the Monastic Republic. Foreigners who have reached their eighteenth birthday may not be adopted by citizens of the Monastic Republic.

Chapter II [Denaturalization] §1 The acquisition or retention of a nationality other than that of the Monastic Republic shall entail the loss of the latter, subject to the terms and periods established by Law. §2 A citizen of the Monastic Republic may renounce his citizenship for personal reasons. §3 A citizen of the Monastic Republic who marries a foreign national and chooses to live with him in his country shall lose his Monastic Republic citizenship. §4 Any children born to this marriage will not be recognized as citizens of the Monastic Republic. §5 Should this former citizen of the Monastic Republic be widowed or should this marriage be annulled, he and any minor children may regain their Monastic Republic citizenship. §6 Any citizen of the Monastic Republic convicted of traveling on a foreign passport shall be deprived of his citizenship in the Monastic Republic. §7 Loss of citizenship will result from illegitimate service in the armed forces of another nation. §8 All those who renounce or are deprived of their citizenship must leave the Monastic Republic. Any personal property not taken with them, or for which arrangements for distribution have not been made, shall become the property of the State. §9 The family members of the deportee have the option of being deported or of remaining as citizens of the Monastic Republic. Those wishing to remain citizens of the Monastic Republic enjoy the favor of the Law. §10 Extradition treaties shall be entered into with any sovereign nation that requests it with due regard given to human rights issues. §11 The Archimandrite may, for reasons of national security, forbid the entrance of any foreign national into the Monastic Republic.

TITLE FORTY-TWO – PUBLIC ASSOCIATIONS Public Law No. 1 (2/16/2009) §1 The townships of the Lowland and the Isles shall establish a common Registry of the associations permitted to assemble in the townships. §2 The Registry entry shall include the name of the association, its address, the name of the person in charge, its purpose, its connection to any non-Athonite association, and the date of approval. §3 A copy of the association's constitution or bylaws must be submitted with the application to assemble. §4 It shall be the responsibility of the association to notify the townships of any changes in the data required by §2. §5 A delay of longer than ten working days in notifying the townships of any changes shall void the approval of the association. §6 The definition of 'association' shall not include those churches permitted by the Holy Synod.

TITLE FORTY-THREE - VOTING Public Law No. 3 (2/16/2009) §1 Each town shall maintain a register of those of its residents who are eligible to vote. §2 Each register entry shall list the name, the date of birth or naturalization, the identification number, the address, a notation of the date and reason for the right being suspended, and a notation of the date and reason for the right being reinstated.

Public Law No. 26 (2/16/2009) Protection and Conservation of the Golden Eagle Protection Act §1 Whoever, within the Monastic Republic, without being permitted to do so as hereinafter provided, shall knowingly, or with wanton disregard for the consequences of his act, takes; possesses; sells; purchases; barters; offers to sell, purchase or barter; transports; exports or imports, at any time or in any manner, any golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetus), alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof of the golden eagle, or whoever violates any permit or regulation issued pursuant to this Act, shall be fined not more than $ 5,000 and imprisoned for not more than six months. §2 In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section such person shall be fined not more than $10,000 and imprisoned for not more than one two years. §3 The commission of each taking or other act prohibited by this section with respect to a golden eagle shall constitute a separate violation of this section. §4 One-half of any such fine, but not to exceed $ 2,500, shall be paid to the person or persons giving information which leads to conviction. §5 Whenever, after investigation, the Hegumen Seneschal shall determine that it is compatible with the preservation of the golden eagle to permit the taking, possession, and transportation of specimens thereof for the scientific or exhibition purposes of public museums, scientific societies, and zoological parks, or that it is necessary to permit the taking of such eagles for the protection of wildlife or of agricultural or other interests in any particular locality, he may authorize the taking of such eagles pursuant to regulations which he is hereby authorized to prescribe. §6 On request of the demarchs, the Hegumen Seneschal shall authorize the taking of golden eagles for the purpose of seasonally protecting domesticated flocks and herds, in accordance with regulations established under the provisions of this section. §7 Since the whole territory of the Monastic Republic is a Wildlife Natural Preserve, falconry in any form is prohibited. Violation of this regulation shall result in a fine of not more than $1,000. §8 Any gendarme may, without warrant, arrest any person committing in his presence or view a violation of this Act or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder and take such person immediately for examination or trial before an officer or court of competent jurisdiction; may execute any warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of this Act; and may, with or without a warrant, as authorized by law, search any place. §9 All golden eagles, or parts, nests, or eggs thereof, taken; possessed; sold; purchased; bartered; offered for sale, purchase, or barter; transported; exported or imported contrary to the provisions of this Act, or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder, and all weapons, traps, nets, and other equipment, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation used to aid in the taking; possessing; selling; purchasing; bartering; offering for sale, purchase, or barter; transporting; exporting or importing of any bird, or part, nest, or egg thereof, in violation of this Act or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture to the Monastic Republic. §10 Pursuant to this Act, a refuge for the rehabilitation and care of golden eagles shall be established as soon as the need arises. §11 All fines levied under this Act shall be used for the maintenance of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic. §12 All property confiscated under this Act shall be used for the maintenance of or sold to provide funds for the upkeep of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic. §13 All fines levied under this Act shall be used for the enhancement of the wildlife conservation program of the Monastic Republic. §14 Golden eagles in need of care and rehabilitation shall be accepted by and become the property of the Golden Eagle Refuge of the Monastic Republic.