Greece Expels Russian Diplomats over Alleged Attempts to Influence the Church

Greece has announced the expulsion of two Russian diplomats and a travel ban on two others over alleged attempts to interfere in the country’s internal affairs and threats to national security. This was reported by TSN with reference to the Athens-based newspaper Kathimerini.

According to Greek authorities, the Russians allegedly sought to influence government officials, Orthodox metropolitans, and monks of Mount Athos, including through attempted bribery. They are accused of trying to promote Russian interests within religious circles, particularly in matters related to the renaming of Macedonia.

Greek officials emphasized that the actions are not directed against Russia as a whole but target individuals who violated diplomatic norms.

It is also worth noting that on June 18, 2025, the head of the OCU, Epiphaniу Dumenko, received an official delegation from the Hellenic Republic at his residence. The delegation included Georgios Kalantzis, Secretary General for Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports of Greece; Pantelis Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to Ukraine; and Deputy Head of Mission Emmanouil Androulakis.