Defending the Rights of the Ecumenical Patriarch on Mount Athos: A Call to Action for the Hellenic State

7/25/2024

The recent headlines about Esfigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos should not be dismissed lightly. This place, steeped in deep historical and religious significance, has become the focal point of escalating tensions involving police forces and militant monk’s threats of violence. These are not just sensational stories; they are manifestations of a longstanding conflict that demands our immediate and urgent attention and resolution.

Mount Athos, often called “Panagia’s Garden,” is a sanctuary of peace and spiritual reflection. However, the schismatic actions of charlatan monks at Esfigmenou Monastery under the defrocked Methodios have disrupted this tranquility. To understand the gravity of the situation, we must revisit its roots. For over fifty years, the schismatic monks of Esfigmenou have refused to acknowledge the Ecumenical Patriarch as the spiritual leader of the monastic state—a tradition upheld by all other monasteries, sketes, and communities on Athos for over a millennium.

Anastasios Vavouskos, lawyer, Doctor of Ecclesiastical Law and Archon Asikretis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Discord began in Athos when Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras met with Pope Paul VI, lifting the centuries-old anathemas. The schismatic monks, who were already in schism over correcting the calendar, viewed this as a betrayal of Orthodoxy. They have since isolated themselves, refusing to commemorate the Ecumenical Patriarchs—Athenagoras, Demetrius, and Bartholomew. Their uncanonical and unlawful actions have led to their expulsion from the Holy Community of Athos, severing their ties with the established monastic order.

Heretical Slogan and Banner

criminal pseudo-monks defy the police and all lawful authority

Greek Constitution

In 2002, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Holy Synod of Mount Athos, with the support of the Greek State, established a new brotherhood for Esfigmenou Monastery, recognizing it under the leadership of Archimandrite Chrysostomos of blessed memory. The Holy Community of Mount Athos, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Greek State fully acknowledge this new brotherhood under Archimandrite Bartholomew. However, the schismatic monks continue to occupy the monastery, refusing to leave, despite the injustice and the need for resolution.

Of Blessed Memory Abbott Chrysostomos

Abbott of Esphigmenou Archimandrite Bartholomew

The actions of the schismatic monks are not merely religious dissent; they are a direct challenge to the lawful and canonical order. They have gone as far as condemning revered Orthodox saints such as Paisios, Iakovos, and Porphyrios as heretics. They not only threaten violence, but they also use violent means, including Molotov cocktails and other military ordinances weapons, to maintain their unlawful occupation. The legitimate monks have been hospitalized due to these attacks, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

Schismatic pseudo-monk Methodius

Militant Methodite monks throw Molotov cocktails and other violent ordinances against security

Tabloid reporter and fake monk victim claims they 'want' to kill us

The Greek State is responsible for upholding the laws governing Mount Athos. Article 105 of the Greek Constitution clearly states that Mount Athos is a self-governing part of Greek territory, governed according to its Charter and relevant Greek laws. The Ecumenical Patriarch is the canonical competent territorial bishop, and the unity of the Orthodox Church is manifested through liturgical practices that include commemorating the Patriarch during services. The refusal of the schismatic monks to adhere to these practices undermines the very foundation of Mount Athos.

Dozens of court decisions have consistently ruled against the schismatic monks and lawfully favored the canonical brotherhood recognized by all legitimate entities. However, successive governments have hesitated to enforce these decisions, fearing political repercussions. This hesitation must end. The Greek State must act decisively to restore order and uphold the rule of law on Mount Athos.

The presence of these schismatic monks poses a potential threat not only to Mount Athos's peace but also to its international reputation. Concerns about their connections with foreign entities, particularly Russian influences, warrant thorough investigation.

A resolution must be found that respects Mount Athos's traditions and laws while ensuring the safety and well-being of all its inhabitants. The Hellenic State must not shy away from its responsibility to protect this sacred place and uphold the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Let us hope for a peaceful resolution that reaffirms the canonical order and the unity of the Orthodox Church. The time for decisive action is now, and the Hellenic State must lead the way in defending the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarch on Mount Athos.