Elpidophoros praises Mount Athos monks for not criticising the Phanar
Archbishop Elpidophoros also told the monks that he has Patriarch Bartholomew in his heart.
On January 18, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros, the head of the Phanar Archdiocese in the USA, praised the monks of the Athonite Xenophontos Monastery for not criticizing the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
During a reception organized by the abbot of the Xenophontos Monastery, Archimandrite Alexios, Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the brotherhood of the monastery, stating that "you are an example not only of spirituality but also a beacon of Orthodoxy that enlightens and supports souls, following the authentic Athonite ancient tradition, never criticizing the Mother Church and condemning no one."
According to Archbishop Elpidophoros, "we are all children of one Church, the Church of Constantinople, which is in our hearts, notably its Primate, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual guide for all of us."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the abbot of the Xenophontos Monastery, Archimandrite Alexios, participated in the "enthronement" of Epifaniy Dumenko.