Met. Agafangel – to abbot of Хenophontos: Do not become a schismatic!

Митрополит Одесский и Измаильский Агафангел и настоятель афонского монастыря Ксенофонт архимандрит Алексий.

Metropolitan Agafangel called on Archimandrite Alexios, the abbot of the Athonite monastery of Xenophontos, not to concelebrate with schismatics and raise his voice for the unity of the Church, reports the Greek Orthodox resource “Romfea”, which published the letter.

In his address to the hegumen, Metropolitan Agafangel noted the excellent relations and special ties that exist between the Xenophontos monastery of Athos and the Orthodox people of Ukraine.

In his lengthy letter, the Ukrainian hierarch drew attention to the fact that one who serves and communes with schismatics becomes, according to the canons, a schismatic. Thus, Vladyka Agafangel urged Abbot Alexios to abandon his support of the so-called “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” and to not engage in relations with those who are persecuting the canonical Ukrainian Church today and follow the path that the Primates of the Antiochian and Polish Orthodox Churches took.

As the UOJ reported, the enthronement of the “Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine” Epiphany Dumenko took place on February 3 at the Sophia Cathedral. As part of the delegation of the Constantinople Patriarchate, the abbot of the Athos monastery Xenophontos, Archimandrite Alexios, participated in the celebrations.

We recall that the Holy Kinot of the Holy Mount Athos decided not to participate in the enthronement of the "head" of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko.

Some monasteries of Athos declared that if Dumenko came to the Holy Mount, they would close their gates. In connection with the actions of Phanar, many Athos keliots and hermits reported the termination of the commemoration of Patriarch Bartholomew.

Read also

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'

"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."