Athonite Delegation Participates in OCU Service at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

KYIV — An Athonite delegation led by Archimandrite Bartholomew, abbot of the New Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos, participated in an Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) service held July 10 at the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

During his remarks, Archimandrite Bartholomew described the creation of the OCU as "not a political act" or merely an administrative change, but rather "a profound spiritual movement" and a "return to the truth."

He also connected the history of the OCU with St. Anthony of the Caves – who some sources claim lived at the historic monastery of Esphigmenou – and urged believers to unite around the Lavra and support the OCU.

As part of the visit, the Athonite abbot presented OCU head Epiphany Dumenko with a bishop's staff as a symbol of ties with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, along with a copy of the icon of the Mother of God "Arsaniotissa." Liturgical hymns were led by Phanar Protopsaltis Gregory Daravanoglou.

Archimandrite Bartholomew further stated that prayers for Ukraine are being offered throughout Mount Athos and asserted that the OCU enjoys support from the Holy Mountain.

The visit has drawn attention in light of ongoing discussions regarding the status of the Athonite monasteries and their relationships with various Orthodox jurisdictions. The historic Esphigmenou Monastery is currently part of an Old Calendarist jurisdiction and is not in communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In 2002, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew declared the old brotherhood as schismatic, and in 2005 he blessed the formation of a new brotherhood, which today is colloquially referred to as New Esphigmenou.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a state official said the presence of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) monks affected tourism access at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.