According to the publication Newsfire.gr, there is currently a mobilization of police forces, which are reportedly ready to arrive in the territory of the monastic republic of Athos to expel the monks and fathers of the Esphigmenos monastery from the monastery. In one go, the police will carry out a “cleansing” of other monasteries, including the Russian one.
On July 21, a rally was held in Ouranoupolis, where many people gathered to protest against this police move, apparently taken on the orders of the Mitsotakis government.
Rumor has it that the police will take action not only in in relation to the monastery of Esphigmenou, but also intends to enter the Russian monastery of St. Panteleimon, as well as the Bulgarian, Romanian and Serbian monasteries.
That's why, If the information is correct, it seems like an attempt “general purge” of monasteries of countries, which have been there until now “guarantors” of Mount Athos, representing Bulgaria, Serbia and Russia, and it is clear that if and when such a move were to take place, especially in relation to the Russian monastery, serious diplomatic consequences would be expected for Mitsotakis.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that on July 21, a monk of the Vatopedi Monastery, who is called Father Joseph, was ordered to leave his cell without any reason.
I wonder what is the interest of the Mitsotakis government if the above information is true?
Perhaps the matter is that at present there is a delegation from the Patriarchate on Mount Athos, which maintains contacts with representatives of the monasteries.
Tuesday is said to be a particularly important day as other monasteries will be asked to sign a petition to approve or disapprove of any steps that would be unprecedented for the Holy Mountain.
The abbot of Esphigmenou declares the betrayal of Orthodoxy on the part of the Patriarchate.
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