An Orthodox Christian monk was taken to the hospital after a violent incident at a monastery in northern Greece, officials said Friday. The conflict is part of a long-standing religious disagreement.
Hospital staff said the monk is receiving treatment in Thessaloniki for cuts and bruises on his face and upper body. He was moved there from Mount Athos, about 175 kilometers (110 miles) away.
Mount Athos is a self-ruled religious area in Greece with ancient monasteries where monks focus on prayer and spiritual life. Women are not allowed to enter.
The dispute centers around Esphigmenou Monastery. The monks living there refuse to follow court and church orders to leave. They do not accept the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which leads the Eastern Orthodox Church from Istanbul, Turkey.
This disagreement has caused repeated fights, court cases, and blockades. It started in the early 1970s and has continued, even after courts ruled against the monks. They are supported by donations from outside supporters.
Monastic leaders said the recent attack happened late Thursday. A monk from the officially recognized group was hurt by rivals using gardening tools during regular maintenance at an administrative building.
Simonopetra MonasteryFather Bartholomew, leader of the recognized group, told The Associated Press that the monk was hit in the face and ribs with punches and a wooden object. He said a report was given to the police and a public prosecutor in Thessaloniki was informed.
“What is the point of having these decisions (to expel the monks) if they are not enforced? They must be implemented,” Bartholomew said.
The rival group denied the claims in an online statement.
“It is a well-known tactic for these perpetrators to play the victims,” it said. “They feigned injury in a performance worthy of an acting class.”
