Athonites co-serving Dumenko praise OCU for Greek spirit and kamelaukions

OCU representatives in Greek kamelaukions. Photo: pomisna.info

The monk of the Athonite Monastery of Pantokrator, hieromonk Nikita, who concelebrated with the Phanar and Epiphany Dumenko in Kyiv, praised the OCU for the Greek spirit and kamelaukions, reports the resource «Религиозная правда» (“The Religious Truth”).

Hieromonk Nikita, following his visit to Kyiv, said in an interview to the newspaper that during his meeting with Dumenko he “felt the blessing” that the OCU received from the Phanar.

He also noted that he “felt” the attempts of the OCU “to return to the Byzantine tradition: Greek klobuks (meaning the Greek kamelaukions worn by the OCU “priests” during the service), Byzantine vestments, robes with the Greek method of sewing, and, in general, the spirit, similar to Byzantine”.

According to Hieromonk Nikita, the goal of Dumenko and his supporters is "to become the bearers of the ancient tradition of the Church" and "to rediscover their roots".

As reported, during the service with the Phanar head, the OCU “priests” were forbidden to wear mitres.

Read also

Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan

The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, 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.