A violent incident at Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos has raised new concerns about ongoing tensions between rival monastic factions. According to Greek media, two men in monastic robes attacked a monk on Thursday evening near the monastery’s building in Karyes, an area that has long been at the center of a property dispute.
The assault occurred as three monks from Esphigmenou Monastery were clearing the grounds in preparation for the Feast of the Ascension. Two robed individuals emerged from a building under occupation, allegedly assaulted one monk—striking him on the head and face—and verbally threatened the others while throwing dirty water at them. The injured monk was transported by ambulance to Mount Athos’ health center for treatment.
In an official statement, the monastery described the incident as an “attempted homicide.” Elder Bartholomew, abbot of the legitimate Esphigmenou Monastery recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, told broadcaster MEGA that his brotherhood is under threat. A summary of the attack, in Greek, can also be seen in a facebook post from the monastery.
“These individuals have no right to be on Mount Athos,” Bartholomew said, claiming that the attackers are part of a schismatic group that continues to occupy monastery property illegally. “They resort to slander and violence to justify their presence. They talk about persecution, but they are the ones committing the aggression.”
The abbot also recalled a similar 2006 incident where monks from his brotherhood were attacked and one, Father Gabriel, was allegedly abducted and held against his will. He emphasized that the recent victim is in stable condition but still in physical pain.
“There are 74 court rulings against these individuals,” Bartholomew said. “And yet, the authorities have failed to enforce them. If Greece is truly a state of law, these rulings must be executed. The monastic robe cannot serve as a shield for violent behavior.”
He further criticized the response of local law enforcement, saying one of the officers communicated casually with the attackers and refused to carry out arrests, claiming they did not open their door when police knocked.
The Esphigmenou Monastery has been the center of a long-standing conflict on Mount Athos, with a group of monks continuing to occupy the site despite being declared non-canonical by the Ecumenical Patriarchate due to their refusal to commemorate the Patriarch. Greek courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of the Patriarchate, but enforcement of those decisions has proven difficult.
