Mount Athos Expresses Concerns Over Archbishop Elpidophoros’ Visit Amidst Same-Sex Baptism Controversy
His Eminence Elpidophoros – Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America
With Inputs from Orthodox Times and Ortho Christian – 05/01/2023
Mount Athos – Greece: The Holy Mountain of Athos, home to 20 monasteries, has raised concerns over the upcoming visit of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The monasteries unanimously declared that the Archbishop is not welcome due to a controversial baptism incident in Greece last summer.
The monasteries conveyed their apprehensions in a letter addressed to Patriarch Bartholomew, expressing dismay over the Archbishop’s involvement in baptizing the child of an openly gay couple. The incident triggered a wave of criticism from Greek hierarchs, questioning the Archbishop’s transparency in communicating the details.
The Athonite monasteries argue that the Archbishop’s actions conveyed a misleading impression that the Church endorses same-sex marriage, contrary to Orthodox doctrines. In the letter, they appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew to consider the sensitivity of the matter, emphasizing the potential impact on the integrity of Orthodox faith and traditions.
While the letter does not explicitly state a refusal to welcome Archbishop Elpidophoros, it underscores the need for clarity in the Church’s stance on societal debates, particularly regarding same-sex marriage and adoption.
The controversy surrounding the Archbishop’s visit has been fueled by leaked information and media reports, with tensions rising within the Athonite Community. However, sources from the Archdiocese dismiss the negative portrayal, highlighting widespread enthusiasm and excitement for Archbishop Elpidophoros’ visit, both in the United States and abroad.
The Archdiocese perceives the leaked letter as a deliberate attempt to sow discord and disinformation, with suspicions pointing to specific circles orchestrating the leak to media outlets. Despite the controversy, Archbishop Elpidophoros, accompanied by a group of pilgrims, is scheduled to visit Mount Athos on January 18, participating in various religious events during the Feast of the Epiphany.
Source:
OCP News Service
