Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine visited the Skete of Prophet Elias, which belongs to the Pantocrator Monastery on Mount Athos, as part of his official pilgrimage to the Mount Athos that began on Friday morning.
Throughout the visit, he is accompanied by Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Alkiviadis Stefanis, the Civil Administrator of Mount Athos.
At the entrance of the Skete, Metropolitan Epifaniy was warmly received by Archimandrite Gabriel, Abbot of the Pantocrator Monastery, Archimandrite Philemon, and the brotherhood.
To the joyful sound of the bells, the brotherhood and guests entered the main church in an official procession, where a Divine Liturgy of Orthodoxy was celebrated to mark the historic visit of the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Following the service, words of warm welcome were offered by Abbot Gabriel and Fr. Philemon. They emphasized the joy they felt in welcoming Metropolitan Epifaniy.
“Although we differ in language and culture, we, as Orthodox Christians, are united in Christ, for we all belong to the one body of His Church,” said Archimandrite Gabriel. “Here, on Mount Athos, in the Garden of the Virgin Mary, prayers are raised for the entire world. We pray that the Theotokos may strengthen Your Beatitude in your ministry to the Church and the faithful people, granting you renewed strength on the path of truth.”
For his part, Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus emphasized the deep pastoral concern of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the monasteries of Mount Athos, highlighting the close spiritual bond between the Patriarch—as a father and guide—and the monks of the Athonite community, as his beloved children.
He also underlined the great significance of the Tomos of Autocephaly granted to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, noting that through it, “the previous weaknesses of ecclesiastical life were corrected, and order was restored where there had been disagreement and division.”
Representing the Ecumenical Patriarch, Metropolitan Apostolos warmly greeted Metropolitan Epifaniy and his accompanying delegation, wishing them “a spiritually joyful and fruitful stay on the Holy Mountain.”
In his response, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine expressed profound joy in praying and staying at the Skete of Prophet Elias, whose history, he noted, “is closely linked to the life and spiritual legacy of the Ukrainian monk, Venerable Paisius Velichkovsky.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his blessing and constant support of this pilgrimage.
He particularly thanked Archimandrite Gabriel and the brotherhood of the Pantocrator Monastery, who “from the very beginning supported the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, showed it love, and contributed to its strengthening.”
Following the service, the pilgrims toured the grounds of the Skete and visited the churches dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Paisius Velichkovsky, where they offered prayers of thanksgiving.
