🇬🇷🇬🇷 ❌🏳️‍🌈 Seven Monasteries Reject Mitsotakis’ Visit To the Holy Mount Athos Over Same-Sex Marriage Law

In a rare and pointed stand, seven monasteries of Holy Mount Athos—Philotheou, Karakalou, Dochiariou, Gregoriou, Konstamonitou, Koutloumousiou, and Agios Pavlos—have formally declared they will not receive Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his planned visit to the Holy Mountain in early July.

While Mount Athos typically remains above the fray of partisan politics, this unified move is anything but routine. The monks are reacting directly to the same-sex marriage and adoption law passed by Mitsotakis’s government in February—a bill that was pushed through Parliament despite significant public opposition, especially from the Church and Orthodox faithful across Greece and the diaspora.

During a recent session of the Holy Community, the seven monasteries issued letters denouncing the government’s legislation as contrary to Orthodox Christian teaching, particularly in its provisions for child adoption by same-sex couples. Monastic leaders argued the law offends the moral foundations of Hellenic society and betrays the country’s spiritual heritage.

A monk familiar with the proceedings was quoted saying: “This law was not just passed without consensus—it was passed despite it. It disregards the Orthodox conscience of the people.”

Mitsotakis had announced the visit as a spiritual pilgrimage, with stops planned in Iviron, Vatopedi, Xenophontos, and an overnight stay at Simonopetra. While some of these monasteries appear willing to host him, the absence of the seven dissenting monasteries from the official welcoming committee effectively strips the visit of its ceremonial unity.

The symbolism matters. The last time a Greek Prime Minister visited Mount Athos with full honors was a moment of national consensus. This time, the monks are sending a message: Athos will not legitimize legislation that contradicts the Orthodox ethos, even from a government traditionally seen as center-right and friendly to the Church.

🔗 https://www.helleniscope.com/2025/06/30/seven-monasteries-reject-mitsotakis-visit-to-athos-over-same-sex-marriage-law/