The possible visit of the head of the OCU to Mount Athos has caused a sharp reaction in the monastic community

The planned visit of the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko to the Holy Mount Athos, organized with the support of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, has provoked serious disagreements and protests among the Athonite monks. The main cause of discontent is the situation with the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its believers in Ukraine.

According to a Greek publication, information about which is cited by one of the Orthodox Telegram channels, Patriarch Bartholomew sent a letter of recommendation to the Holy Synod — the governing body of Mount Athos — regarding Dumenko’s pilgrimage. According to this information, the agenda of the Kinot for September 22, 2025 included consideration of this visit. It is expected that the head of the OCU will be accompanied by Metropolitan Apostolos of Melitin, the representative of the Phanar on the Holy Mountain.

According to the source, news of the visit has caused «strong objections» in the Holy Synod. The rejection is attributed to the fact that in Ukraine, according to opponents of the visit, «clergy, monks and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are mercilessly persecuted … «with the blessing» of Epiphanius.» It is noted that public protests may follow after the official confirmation of the visit by the head of the OCU.

The publication also suggests that an unofficial visit may be organized to circumvent possible official rejection by the Kinot. Under this scenario, Dumenko would visit only a few loyal monasteries, such as Xenophontos and Pantokrator. The purpose of such a visit would allegedly be to create the appearance of recognition of the OCU by Mount Athos and to obtain the necessary photo material for the media.

At the moment, it remains unclear whether the visit will take place in the planned format and which monasteries of the Holy Mountain will express readiness to receive the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

We shall remind you that earlier the head of the OCU Epiphanius Dumenko tried to explain why the organization failed to build a «Ukrainian cell» on the Holy Mount Athos. Dumenko claims that the construction of the OCU cell on Mount Athos is delayed because the organization gives all its funds to support the Ukrainian army.