Phanar hierarch urged to 'end the shame of the occupation' of Esphigmen Monastery

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America paid an official visit to the representative office of the Esphigmen Monastery (in alliance with the Phanar, – ed.) in Kareia on the Holy Mount Athos. The head of the American Archdiocese strongly criticized the ongoing “illegal occupation” of the monastery, calling for the immediate restoration of church order and compliance with state laws.

According to Greek publication Fos Fanariou, the archbishop was accompanied on the trip by Bishop John of Phokaea, civil governor of Mount Athos Alkiviadis Stephanis and graduates of Holy Cross Theological School in Boston. In his address to the Abbot and the brethren of the parallel existing Esphigmen Monastery, which is in communion with the Phanar, Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his hope for their speedy return to the main buildings of the monastery, emphasizing that the current situation is a “disgrace” to the entire Orthodox world.

The Archbishop emphasized the responsibility of the state authorities in ensuring the rule of law in the territory of the Holy Mountain. He also recalled the long-term support of the United States of America for religious freedom and institutional order, emphasizing the importance of observing canonical norms in Church life.

Elpidophoros concluded his remarks by assuring the brethren of the continued support of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and expressed confidence in a just conclusion to their struggle. Special mention was made of the memory of the deceased elder Chrysostom and the trials that the monastic community had endured during the period of exile.