Patriarch Bartholomew warns pro-Russian Mount Athos monastery of sanctions if it further denies access to OCU delegation

As reported by the Greek media outlet Vimaorthodoxias, based on the data from its own sources, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent to Abbot Eulogius, Abbot of the Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos, the requirement to explain the reasons for his negative attitude to the Ukrainian delegations of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Сerkvarium reports.

According to the same source, if the monks of the Russian monastery that is subordinated to Constantinople do not put aside their aggressive attitude, Patriarch Bartholomew will be compelled to take the steps required to keep the canonical order and obedience to the Mother Church.

Hegumen Eulogius comes from Russia, as it has been the case for all the abbots of this monastery since the end of the 19th century, and the monastery has more links with the Russian Orthodox Church than with the Phanar.

It is recommended for the pilgrims from Russia to take communion in this very monastery in spite of the decision of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on full breakup of Eucharistic relationship with the Phanar.

As reported, the pro-Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos in Greece on February 9 closed the door to the representatives of the new Church of Ukraine.

At that time, Metropolitan Pavlo of Odesa of the OCU was on a pilgrimage to Mount Athos with the blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch. When the Metropolitan arrived at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon, the brethren informed him that he had no blessing to worship there.

Thereafter the Abbot ordered to close the gates of the monastery for the representatives of the new Ukrainian Church. In addition, the Abbot explained to His Eminence and his entourage that “the monastery does not recognize them, nor do they plan to recognize the OCU.”