Archbishop of Athens: Monasticism can respond to modern challenges by resisting secularization

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece attended an event in Athens on Monday marking 50 years since the current brotherhood settled at Xenophontos Monastery on Mount Athos and Archimandrite Alexios became its Abbot.

The event, entitled “In One Spirit,” was held at the Alexandra Trianti Hall of the Athens Concert Hall.

Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon attended as the representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, while Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Nikos Papaioannou represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Dozens of hierarchs were also present, along with the Governor and Deputy Governor of Mount Athos, government ministers, political figures, clergy and laypeople.

Greek President Tasoulas highlights the role of Mount Athos

President Tasoulas referred to the renewal of the brotherhood of Xenophontos Monastery in 1976, when 15 young monks arrived from Meteora, and highlighted Elder Alexios’ five decades as Abbot.

“With prudence, gentleness and dedication, with humility and vision, he has inspired and continues to inspire monks and pilgrims,” the President said.

Tasoulas described Mount…