Karea, August 27, 2013
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The statement of Holy Kinot, specifically says that, "Rumour of an alleged invitation to the Pope to visit the Holy Mountain of Athos, spread by a part of the Church media, is absolutely groundless and untrue. We express our astonishment at the fact that the news is being spread by the press, even by the Church press, without even minor verification.
The dogmatic conscience of the Holy Mountain of Athos (as a keeper of Orthodox traditions and a place of spiritual ascetic labors), which over the centuries has remained unchanged, would not have allowed those responsible for our holy mountain to undertake such an initiative.
Addressing all well meaning people, we with fatherly and brotherly love ask all not to believe this ill-intentioned "news", but rather to heed the official position of Holy Kinot of the Holy Mountain of Athos".
Signatures of representatives and abbots of twenty Athonite Monasteries follow below.
