Will the monks of Mount Athos side with Moscow or Constantinople?
The rift between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople over Ukrainian autocephaly continues to threaten worldwide Orthodox unity. One as yet unclear potential consequence concerns the position of Mount Athos. Colonised by monks since the 9th century, the monastic enclave within Greece is often considered the spiritual heart of Orthodoxy. Explicit Athonite support would be a significant feather in the cap of either side in the conflict.
