Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: “Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monasteries within the Greek territory are blessings of God”

On Saturday, 2 March 2024, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received Archimandrite Nikanoras, Abbot of the Holy Trinity Stavropegic Monastery of Sparmos in Olympus, with members of his Brotherhood and a group of pilgrims from Elassona, as well as Nun Antonini, Abbess of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa, from the area of Drama, accompanied by Sisters of the Monastery.

On the occasion of the pilgrimage that the group made previously to Cappadocia, led by Archimandrite Nikanoras from Elassona, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke about his personal pilgrimage visits to Asia Minor and Pontus.

Referring to the presence of the Abbots of the two Monasteries, the Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out that the existence of Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monasteries in Greece was a blessing and spiritual enrichment for local communities.

“The presence of the Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monasteries within the Greek territory is a blessing of God, one that enriches the spiritual fabric of local communities. However, I am disheartened to observe that some brother Metropolitans are less than enthusiastic about the presence of Patriarchal Monasteries within their jurisdictions. Instead of fostering cooperation and mutual support, they appear to covet these monasteries, hindering rather than facilitating their vital mission and ministry. However, this is not the case of either Metropolitan of Elassona or Metropolitan of Drama; on the contrary, they are both beloved brothers, whom I cordially greet through you from the Mother Church.”

Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate