Greek Orthodox Monk Missing in Turkey Since July

ISTANBUL — A Greek Orthodox monk has been missing in Turkey since July after traveling from Greece to visit regions connected to his heritage, according to a report published Oct. 17.

The monk, Joseph, born Nikolaos Tzigkozis, 58, left his home in Neo Mylotopos, northern Greece, on July 23. He intended to visit Pontus, along Turkey’s Black Sea coast, and Cappadocia in central Turkey. Both regions are connected to his heritage. He had expressed a desire to live as an ascetic there.

His family began searching for him after losing contact with him. They reported his disappearance to police and later found a bus ticket issued in his name, confirming that he had traveled to Turkey.

The relatives contacted the Greek Consulate in Istanbul and received information about a man resembling Joseph. He reportedly arrived by taxi on July 25, without wearing monastic robes, and asked how to travel to Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea coast.

According to the family, consular staff checked the man’s passport and directed him to an intercity bus station. However, it has not been independently verified that the man was Joseph, and his movements afterward remain unknown.

Joseph previously lived on Mt. Athos, beginning in 2003. He later stayed at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Lagadas, then followed his abbot to Elassona. While between monasteries, he would visit his family in Neo Mylotopos before eventually setting out for Turkey.

Interpol and the Greek Consulate in Turkey have been informed. The family is counting on investigators to determine whether Joseph reached his intended destinations.

Authorities have not established whether his disappearance was voluntary. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai faced a key decision.