Mount Athos governor receives blessing of Phanar head for "new duties"
The meeting took place in Istanbul.
On October 26, in Istanbul, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople received the new civil administrator of Mount Athos, Alkiviadis Stefanis, as reported by vema.com.au.
Stefanis was appointed by the Greek authorities to the position of governor of Mount Athos in August 2023. Previously, he served as a general in the Greek army, held the post of Chief of the General Staff, and also served as Greece’s Minister of National Defense.
During the audience, it was noted that the new administrator paid his respect for Patriarch Bartholomew as "Bishop of Mount Athos and asked for the patriarchal blessing for his new multi-responsible duties."
In response, the head of Phanar "once again wished Mr. Stefanis a fruitful service on Mount Athos, an ancient part of the Canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Throne."
It was also reported that after the meeting with the head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the new governor held extensive consultations with the president and members of the Athos Synodal Committee.
As previously reported, the new governor of Athos has promised to combat the “occupiers” of Esphigmenou.
