A few days before the feast of Saint Demetrios, Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol spoke at the Church of Saint Demetrios in Thessaloniki, answering the questions of the faithful in attendance. Among the things he spoke about, were certain "prophecies" of Saint Paisios the Athonite that circulate every now and then, especially during periods of distress and disaster. This is an excerpt of what he said specifically of one source of such prophecies that he was acquainted with:
"I also hear a lot and various things that Father Paisios supposedly said to many who saw him and he supposedly told them...and that person...and another. I confess to you that he said nothing of all that they say. I say this with all responsibility and honesty. With all the power of sincerity from my high priestly status. I lived 16 years with this Elder. A certain brother who says every now and then 'Elder Paisios told me this... he told me that...,' I assure you he never said these things to him.
"I also hear a lot and various things that Father Paisios supposedly said to many who saw him and he supposedly told them...and that person...and another. I confess to you that he said nothing of all that they say. I say this with all responsibility and honesty. With all the power of sincerity from my high priestly status. I lived 16 years with this Elder. A certain brother who says every now and then 'Elder Paisios told me this... he told me that...,' I assure you he never said these things to him.
