Unknown individuals have defaced a wall along the main road connecting the port of Dafni with the capital of Mount Athos, Karyes, with offensive slogans. The graffiti accuses the newly appointed Civil Administrator of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis, of being a traitor and alleges that he serves the interests of the NATO military alliance. The slogan is signed “Mount Athos,” adding a troubling dimension to the act of vandalism.
Abbot Bartholomew of Esfigmenos Monastery expressed deep concern in a public statement, condemning the incident as part of a broader campaign of intimidation. He remarked, “After the internet and some decadent media, the attempts at intimidation have now spread within Mount Athos itself. What was once a place of peace is turning into a place for thuggery due to the long-standing indifference of the Greek State to our continuous appeals for the protection of Mount Athos and the dereliction of duty by the Greek Police, resulting in uncontrolled entry.”
He further warned, “Anarchy and thuggery by unknown individuals threaten to put a tombstone on the self-governance of Mount Athos and completely dissolve it.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
