OCU Primate from Mount Athos: Russians despise Church order

During his visit to the Skete of Prophet Elias on Mount Athos, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine delivered a speech marked by strong references to the ongoing Russian aggression and its spiritual dimensions, linking contemporary events with biblical imagery, as reported by Orthodox Times.

The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine compared Russia’s actions to those of the impious King Ahab of the Old Testament, emphasizing that “the powerful of this world have risen against our nation, our homeland Ukraine, and our Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”

“These modern followers of the godless King Ahab,” he said, “want to destroy us just as the wicked king sought to destroy the Prophet Elias. But we are inspired by the example of this prophet, for like him, we know that truth is on our side.”

Metropolitan Epifaniy directly accused Russia’s religious and political leadership of defying the canonical order of the Orthodox Church and rejecting unity with the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

“King Ahab despised Jerusalem and the temple of God,” he said. “Likewise, today the new Ahabs from the northern lands despise the canonical order established by the Fathers and the Ecumenical Councils. They reject the primacy of service held by the Ecumenical Patriarch and refuse to remain in ecclesial unity with their Mother, the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople.”

He contrasted this defiance with gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for his support of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, adding: “We raise heartfelt prayers for the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople — our Mother — and for her worthy Primate, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, by whose blessing we have come to the Holy Mountain.”

Epifaniy urged continued spiritual resistance, declaring that the Ukrainian Church “serves God and the pious people of Ukraine without fear, testifying to the truth, remaining faithful to canonical order, and seeking only what strengthens the true Orthodox faith.”

Concluding his remarks, he called on the monks and faithful to pray “for the end of the invasion of Ukraine and for the cessation of all suffering brought by the war — so that, through the efforts of all people of good will, the blessed peace of God may soon prevail.”

The visit of the Primate of the OCU to Mount Athos began on Friday, October 10. 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 Pantokrator 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 Pantokrator 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.