A new misconception has appeared between Moscow and Sukhumi. After disputes on returning their property in Abkhazia to Russian citizens and marking the state boundary near Gagry, a new bone of contention has appeared in the religious sphere.
People have been protesting against the decision by the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to appoint a representative of the Moscow patriarchy, hegumen Efrem (Vinigradov), as prior of the New Athos Monastery instead of the Abkhaz priest, Father Andrey (Ampar). According to the spread information, Kirill did so at the instance of the head of Abkhaz Orthodox Church, Vissarion Aplia, who is not recognized by either the Georgian or Russian churches.
People were indignant at the self-willed activities of Vissarion Aplia. A new prior was appointed by Russian Patriarch and he is a Muscovite, whereas it is traditional to choose a prior from the monastery’s monks by the brotherhood.
The head of the Abkhaz Orthodox Church, Vissarion Aplia, refused to comment on this event. Some time later Andrey Ampar did the same. It seemed that the Abkhaz authorities had interfered in the situation and asked the participants not to escalate the conflict.
However, the Abkhaz flock decided to organize a multifold meeting on May 15th near the New Athos Monastery, the aim of which will be to express the intention of the New Athos community to maintain its independence from both the Georgian and Russian Churches.
Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to VK.
