Hieromonk of Athos calls possible visit of OCU head to Holy Mountain a "sign of unity"

Hieromonk Nikita of the Pantocrator Monastery on Mount Athos provided explanations about the upcoming visit of the head of the OCU, Epiphany Dumenko. He emphasized that this visit is a sign of church unity, and not an attempt to gain legitimacy, which has already been confirmed by the Tomos of autocephaly.

According to Hieromonk Nikita in his article for the Orthodox Times, the claims that Holy Mount Athos did not recognize the OCU are absurd. He reminded that Athos is an integral part of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which has been in full Eucharistic communion with the OCU since its foundation on December 15, 2018. Any opposition to this, according to him, is only the personal opinion of individuals, often motivated by external influences.

The author of the article notes that Epifaniy Dumenko received legitimacy on the day of his election by the Unification Council and with the granting of the Tomos of autocephaly by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in January 2019. The solution to the Ukrainian issue, in his opinion, was made possible by the canonical right of appeal(ekklyton) to the head of Phanar, which «has helped the Local Churches to resolve internal disputes and heal schisms for centuries.»

Anonymous sources have also criticized the visit of Epiphany Dumenko, claiming that it will be only «formal and limited» in nature. In the hieromonk’s opinion, the anonymity of such statements indicates fear rather than representation of the majority opinion. He also added that the term «pro-patriarchal monasteries,» used by critics in a derogatory way, is an honorary title for Athos monks.

In conclusion, Hieromonk Nikita emphasized that the Athonite fathers put the unity of the Church above all else. «We will receive the Primate of the Fifteenth Church on the Holy Mount Athos as a sign of unity between the churches and as an example for those who have not yet accepted it. The unity of Orthodoxy is indeed above all,» he said, condemning websites that, instead of promoting unity, sow discord and incite fanaticism.

Earlier, we reported that the upcoming visit of the head of the OCU, Epiphany Dumenko, to the Holy Mount Athos caused serious tension and discontent among most monastic communities. It is expected that the visit, which will not be accompanied by an official reception by the highest governing body of Athos, will take place in the middle of this week.