Tonsures of young monks at the Holy Skete of Saint Andrew (Serai)

According to the Athonite order, the monastic tonsure of five brothers from the Skete's novices was performed today at the Holy Vatopedi Conventual Skete of Apostle Andrew and Great Anthony (Serai).

The shearings were performed by the Abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery, Elder Ephraim, following the invitation of the Right Elder Nektarios, in accordance with the Athonite order.

The five new fathers received the names Porphyrios, in honor of Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvos, Andreas and Anthony, in honor of the Holy protectors of the Skete, Gabriel, in honor of the Archangel, and Cosmas, for Saint Cosmas the Aetolian and Philotheus. The names had already been chosen by the blessed Righteous Elder Ephraim of Seragiotis, which he had left as a legacy.

After the Divine Liturgy, a banquet followed, during which Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi spoke appropriately, addressing the new fathers, whom he admonished in a fatherly manner, emphasizing the importance of obedience and spiritual exercise in the life of a monk.