How did the Cretans suddenly decide in the summertime to send ultimatums to the Ecumenical Patriarch regarding their Stavropegic monasteries? This question has been on the minds of those who are not closely following church affairs in recent weeks. The issue is neither new nor did the uproar emerge suddenly.
Let’s analyze the facts first. The Ecumenical Patriarchate has always sought to have more say in the Stavropegic monasteries. Much more so within the Church of Crete.
Say in spiritual (commemoration), but also administrative issues. Administrative issues encompass the management and utilization of property, human resources, etc. On the other hand, the Cretans cite restrictions provided by Greek law.
In essence, their charter mandates self-governance. The Metropolitans of Crete assert: “Yes, we commemorate and honor you, but we will not hand over the keys.”
Of course, not all of them. However, there are several types of groups. The discord between the two sides is likely to persist. This happens due to their deep-rooted history, even though it may not directly relate to the substance of the case. It primarily revolves around aspirations for the Ecumenical Throne, management of metropolises’ finances, and even… a marriage!
Marriage debt
I’m told that the Patriarchate is uneasy with Archbishop Eugene of Crete because he permitted the Aeolian bag to be opened. The Patriarchate was informed that the case was brought up by the media owned by Antonis Diamataris, a former prominent member of the Greek government.
Antonis Diamataris started a war with the Abbot of the Tzangaroli Monastery, Bishop Damaskinos of Dorylaion, not over the issue of Stavropigia, but rather due to… the debts from his daughter’s marriage. According to Cretan sources, in September 2021, Diamataris’s daughter exchanged vows in Chania, amidst the gathering of esteemed guests. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Alexandra Papadopoulou, and a host of other relatives and friends attended the ceremony. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America officiated the engagement ceremony, while Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon presided over the wedding festivities.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, a significant marriage debt emerged, burdening the Patriarchal Monastery of Tzagaroli. The conflict between Antonis Diamataris and the Abbot, Bishop Damaskinos of Dorylaion, and subsequently the Patriarchate, erupted when Diamataris was approached to cover the expenses of his daughter’s wedding. Under the pretext of stavropegia.
It’s rumored that Diamataris has formed a close alliance with Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronas, as they collaborated on a plan during this past Easter, spending the holiday together.
Metropolitans Amphilochios of Kissamos and Andreas of Arkalochori are said to be aligned with a similar sentiment, advocating for Cretan interests and standing in opposition to the Patriarchate. Individuals who share a spiritual bond with Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon without taking any steps to mitigate their complain.
The case appears to have a prolonged journey ahead, with keen anticipation surrounding the Patriarch’s response, as he opts to maintain a measured tone.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reportedly conveyed a message to all parties involved: “We will refrain from involvement in the case until after the European elections.”
From the column of Greek edition orthodoxtimes.gr, Melchizedek
*Published in the newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia”