By Efi Efthimiou
The Holy Community of Mount Athos issued an announcement on the war raging in Ukraine “since 2014 between brothers united for centuries with common faith and history in Christ”, as noted.
In the announcement, there is no mention of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three months ago, but it is stated that the war started in 2014 in Ukraine and continues “and has intensified lately”.
Of particular interest is the fact that the announcement comes only a few days before the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to Mount Athos, and while there are increasing reports and complaints from Athonite abbots about Russia’s penetration of the Athonite State.
The announcement states that it had long urged the monasteries of Mount Athos to intensify their prayers for the end of the war, expressing “with a coherent heart the sorrow (of the community) for the loss of so many of our brothers and our support to the victims of the conflict”.
Finally, it stresses that Mount Athos prays day and night for peace around the world, and “in the above war zones in particular”, which peace will be achieved by returning to the spirit of the Gospel and with the sincere repentance of all, “so that love, truth, and justice will reign.”
