(The following more accurate and updated translation has been provided by Fr. Zachariah Lynch):

"The Igumen of Karakallou monastery on Mt. Athos, Archimandrite Philotheus, shared some of his thoughts about the corona-virus:

“We have a very clear inner sense, that this pandemic has come about not by random chance but has been intentionally created. And then the...

“There are still reports being received from various places that infectious disease is spreading across our country, and that it is carrying away to the grave many thousands of people. It is not surprising that in the face of this frightful phenomenon people are brought to anxiety and are striving to think of any means whereby they may avoid the impending thunderstorm. But this is our grief –...