Τhe Ecumenical Patriarchate denounced the interference of the Russian Orthodox Church in the case of Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi, after the Holy Synod concluded on Tuesday.
In its official announcement, the Patriarchate points out that Mount
Athos lies within the jurisdiction and borders of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, and though it may include Orthodox monks of different
national backgrounds, its matters hold no pan-orthodox interests.
Therefore, no other Autocephalous Church is allowed to interfere with
the operation and issues of Mount Athos in any way.
The announcement followed a long discussion on the issue of the
pretrial detention of Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi. The Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his regrets over the whole situation
surrounding the case of Abbot Ephraim.
The announcement also emphasizes that the Ecumenical Patriarchate has
always avoided intervening with any judicial matters and
investigations, due to respect of judicial independence, and will
continue its policy, especially as far as this case is concerned, in
which the Patriarchate does not know the content of the relevant papers
in the case.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate had asked Abbot Ephraim to leave his post
until the judicial control of the Monastery’s affairs was over. This
suggestion was followed by Abbot Ephraim at first, but later on a second
decision of the Monastery’s Council allowed him to return to his
duties.
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