Media: Greek authorities plan to clear St. Panteleimon’s Monastery on Mt Athos
Mount Athos. Photo: NF.GR
On 21 July, there was a rally held in Uranopolis against the actions of the authorities, who plan to evict monks from the Esphigmenou Monastery using police and special equipment, reports Newsfire.gr.
Sources from the publication report that a similar forceful approach is also planned for the Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon, and police will enter Bulgarian, Romanian, and Serbian monasteries as well.
According to a source from Athos, the situation on the Holy Mountain is as follows: “Washington has tasked us with changing the status of the monastic republic. Greece should not have an uncontrolled center of free thought and independence. To achieve this, the last place in the country where power belongs to the monks – the monastic republic of Mount Athos – needs to be dismantled. The first step will be the opening of a new police station to monitor the situation in the monastic republic, both criminal and political. Essentially, the Greek authorities’ task is to reform the monastic republic, removing its autonomy and independence to ensure everything is under control and to eliminate any potential places where opponents of the government might reside.”
As the UOJ reported earlier, police are preparing to storm the Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
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.