The abbot of New Esfigmen in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra called the creation of the OCU a “spiritual movement”

On July 10, 2026, a solemn divine service was held at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, attended by representatives of the OCU, with Archimandrite Bartholomew, abbot of the Mount Athos monastery of New Esfigmen, serving as the guest of honor. During the event, the Mount Athos clergyman delivered a statement in which he characterized the creation of the OCU not as an administrative or political act, but as a “profound spiritual movement.”

In his speech, Archimandrite Bartholomew linked the history of the OCU to the name of St. Anthony of the Caves, calling on the faithful to support Epiphany Dumenko’s organization. As a sign of unity, the Mount Athos abbot presented the head of the OCU with a bishop’s staff and an icon of the Mother of God known as “Arsaniotissa.” The archimandrite also emphasized that the OCU allegedly enjoys the support of the entire Holy Mountain, assuring that prayers for peace and the strengthening of the organization are offered up from every monastery on Mount Athos.

As a reminder, we previously reported that a group of Mount Athos monks from the Keliot community issued a joint statementexpressing their strong protest against the visit of OCU head Epiphany Dumenko to the Holy Mountain of Athos. The monks called his presence uncanonical, stating that it had caused spiritual harm and deep sorrow within the monastic community.