Patriarch Bartholomew: We are proud of our spiritual care for Mount Athos
Patriarch Bartholomew at the Athonite St Panteleimon Monastery. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said that the Phanar takes pride in its spiritual jurisdiction over and care for the Holy Mountain of Athos, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.
On August 9, 2026, the head of the Phanar presided over the Liturgy at the metochion of the Athonite St Panteleimon Monastery in Galata as the monastery celebrated its patronal feast according to the Julian calendar. In his sermon, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke at length about the role of monasticism in the life of the Church.
“Mount Athos holds a unique place in Orthodox monasticism,” the Patriarch stressed, describing it as a jewel adorning the mitre of the Ecumenical Patriarch. “We are proud that Mount Athos belongs to the spiritual jurisdiction and care of the Mother Church of Constantinople,” the head of the Phanar said.
The Patriarch described Mount Athos as a unique center of prayer and peaceful fraternal coexistence among different peoples. According to him, on the Holy Mountain, “Greeks, Russians, Serbs, Bulgarians and Romanians all live together as true brothers in Christ.”
As the UOJ previously reported, the Patriarch of Constantinople held talks with Anglicans in Istanbul.
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