Charles III turns to Vatopedi monastery abbot for support

King Charles III. Photo: royal.uk

The head of the Anglican Church, King of Great Britain Charles III, has turned to a Greek Orthodox monk, the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, for spiritual advice after he was diagnosed with cancer, reports The Sun.

Archimandrite Ephraim and King Charles III grew close after the death of Princess Diana in 1997. The king visited Mount Athos, and journalists claim that he even has separate quarters at Vatopedi. After the king was diagnosed with cancer, he once again secretly turned to Archimandrite Ephraim for help. The abbot of Vatopedi had not commented on his relationship with the king before, but now confirmed that they "have a very good rapport”.

"Charles has a spiritual sophistication, a spiritual life. Yes, he has been in contact since the diagnosis and I believe he’ll overcome it. There are no distractions so he can meditate, pray and follow ancient rituals like getting up at 4am to follow the liturgy which he absolutely adores," the publication quoted the abbot as saying.

As reported by the UOJ, the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, Archimandrite Ephraim, who previously urged Ukrainians to remain faithful to Metropolitan Onuphry, advised the UOC to engage in dialogue with the OCU.

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