WAR BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY — AND THE OUTCOME

Prophecies Attributed to Elder Paisios and Saint Cosmas of Aetolia

There are numerous prophecies circulating among Orthodox Christians concerning a future conflict involving Greece, Turkey, Russia, Constantinople, and the wider region.

Among the most widely repeated are sayings attributed to Saint Paisios the Athonite and Saint Cosmas of Aetolia. These accounts speak of a future period of war in which Turkey would suffer a major defeat, Constantinople would ultimately come under Greek control, and dramatic changes would take place throughout the region.

These statements should be understood as traditional or attributed prophetic accounts, rather than as established predictions of future political events.

THE TURKS WILL LEAVE — BUT RETURN AGAIN

One saying attributed to Saint Cosmas of Aetolia is commonly rendered:

“The Turks will leave, but they will return again and come as far as Examilia.”

The expression “Examilia” is traditionally understood as referring to approximately six miles into the Aegean.

The prophecy is therefore interpreted by some as describing a future Turkish advance into Greek territory or waters, followed by another withdrawal.

A FUTURE WAR

According to the accounts attributed to Elder Paisios, a future war involving Turkey and Russia would bring enormous consequences for the region.

Some versions claim that Turkey would be defeated and would cease to exist in its present form as a state.

Other versions speak of the division of the Turkish population into three parts: one part being killed, another part being baptized into Orthodoxy, and another part leaving the region.

These details vary considerably between different retellings, and their exact historical source should therefore be treated with caution.

CONSTANTINOPLE

The most famous element of these traditions concerns Constantinople.

According to the commonly circulated prophecy, Russia would become involved in a major war with Turkey, while another power would also participate. Disagreements would eventually arise over Constantinople, and the city would ultimately be given to the Greeks.

For Orthodox Christians, Constantinople holds a unique spiritual and historical significance as the ancient center of the Byzantine Christian world.

The prophecy is therefore understood by believers not simply as a geopolitical prediction, but within a much broader religious and eschatological tradition.

CYPRUS

Another claim frequently circulated alongside these prophecies concerns Cyprus:

“Cyprus will be free from Turkish forces after the war.”

This is particularly significant to Greek Cypriots because the northern part of Cyprus has remained under Turkish military control since the events of 1974.

Whether one accepts or rejects the prophetic interpretation, the political question of Cyprus remains an unresolved international issue.

ARMENIANS AND KURDS

Some versions of these prophetic narratives also claim that the Armenians and Kurds will eventually obtain their own states or territories, and that Turkey will be forced to confront the consequences of past atrocities.

These statements are often connected by their proponents to the Armenian Genocide and to the long-standing Kurdish question.

Such historical and political claims should be distinguished from the prophetic traditions themselves.

“WAKE UP”

Those who believe these prophecies are warning of future events often interpret them as a call for Christians to remain spiritually awake rather than complacent.

The central message, in this interpretation, is not simply military or political.

It is a warning to prepare spiritually for times of upheaval, remembering the words of Christ:

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
— Matthew 24:42

Whether these prophecies will ever correspond to future political events cannot be established in advance.

But the sayings attributed to the Elders continue to circulate because they speak to the fears, hopes, and historical memory of Orthodox Christians throughout Greece, Cyprus, Russia, and the wider Orthodox world.

THE FUTURE IS IN GOD’S HANDS

Geopolitical tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean are real, and history has shown that relations between Greece and Turkey can become extremely serious.

But Christians are not called to live in fear.

The proper response to warnings about the future is vigilance, prayer, repentance, and faith in God.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
— Matthew 24:44

KARMA WILL PAY OFF?

History is full of suffering, injustice, wars, and the rise and fall of empires.

But for the Christian, the final judgment belongs to God.

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
— Romans 12:19

Whatever the future holds for Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Russia, Armenia, or the peoples of the region, Christians should remember that nations rise and fall — but God’s Kingdom remains.

Posted by ANNINOS