Holy Kinot of Mount Athos declares its support of Ecumenical Patriarchate

Representatives of the Holy Mount declared their support for the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

At the meeting of the Holy Kinot of Athos monasteries, which took place on February 11, 2019 and was devoted to the discussion of the Ukrainian issue, representatives of the Holy Mount Athos noted the importance of maintaining unity and expressed their support for the Constantinople Patriarchate. This is reported by the Greek edition Romfea.

“We remain on the side of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and will not tolerate its humiliation,” said members of the Holy Kinot following the meeting, which was held in private.

According to the edition, representatives of the Holy Mount believe that the Ukrainian issue, which caused protests and disputes among the heads of the Orthodox Churches, should compel the Athonites to support Phanar.

At the same time, they noted that currently the Holy Community had better remain silent, “in order to avoid misinterpretations”, and offered to wait until the situation returned to normal.

"In addition," said the Athonites, "we are not the Church and are not obliged to make decisions about recognition."

“It is important to preserve the unity of the Holy Monasteries and send in all directions a clear message that no one is allowed to make Athos their instrument. Because Mount Athos is for everyone,” the editon reports the opinion of the representatives of the Holy Mountain. “We want to preserve peace and unity of the Church. However, as Athonites we will not tolerate the humiliation of Hellenism and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”

As the UOJ reported, the OCU delegation, with the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, made a trip to Mount Athos. Three holy monasteries – St. Panteleimon Monastery, Zographou and Dochariou – closed the gates to the representatives of the new church structure. After Vatopedi received the OCU delegation, seven monks left the monastery in protest.

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