Leimoniako Zetema : Episkopese vasei tou archiakou ylikou

Published version of an article in the journal: Hagia Sion.The province of Methymna on the island of Lesvos underwent from 1866 until 1886 a multiple economical, social, educational and ecclesiastical turmoil, known as ≪The Leimoniakon Issue≫, as Leimonos Monastery was at its heart. The financial crisis of almost all the villages of the area at that time caused serious dysfunctions in the educational system and the notables of the villages appealed to the wealthy Leimonos Monastery for help, facing the negative reaction of the monks. But only a few years later, when the Patriarchate of Constantinople tried to use the property of the Monastery for its own needs, notables and monks united to form a coalition against the ecclesiastical authorities (the Patriarchate and the local Bishop). The occupation of the Monastery by them, political and social untoward incidents, excommunications and accusations for misusing of the monastery’s property, are some of the main elements of the mosaic. The paper presents an overview of the issue, having as its basis the relevant original documents, treasured today in the Archives of Leimonos Monastery and the Diocese of Methymna