Following his recent cancer diagnosis, King Charles contacted a Mount Athos-based Greek Orthodox monk on Thursday, requesting that he pray for his health.
The current Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, Elder Ephraim, informed Cyprus TV that King Charles called to console him.
“When reaching out to a monk, you seek his prayers and consoling words for strength to overcome difficulties…I believe he will overcome cancer,” Elder Ephraim said.
Elder Ephraim has kept a close relationship with King Charles over the years, with the King having visited the monastic community of Mount Athos eight times.
In 1998, the King visited the Vatopedi Monastery a little while after Princess Diana’s death, where he met Ephraim for the first time. Since then, the King’s travels to Mount Athos have continued; from spring 2003 to May 2004, he paid three visits to Mount Athos.
“There is no question that the British royal is Orthodox in his heart,” another monk confided about King Charles. “Sadly, he is very constrained by his position”.
King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer, motivating the use of regular treatments since Monday, February 5.
According to the Palace, the 75-year-old King “remains completely hopeful about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
