09.02.2026
VATOPEDI MONASTERY VIDEO LIBRARY
Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi: "from the early years of the Church, life in Christ has always been handed down"
With splendor and in a climate of devotion, the reception of the Holy Icon of Saint Thecla took place on Saturday, February 2, 2026, in the settlement of Agion Anargyron B' in Larnaca. The Holy Icon was brought by the Abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery, Elder Ephraim, while a multitude of believers rushed to greet and venerate the Icon. After the Reception of the Holy Icon, the Vespers service was held, where addresses were exchanged on the Reception by the head of the Holy Church, Fr. Andreas, and Elder Ephraim. Elder Ephraim focused on the unique peculiarity of the icon, which depicts Saint Thecla next to the Apostle Paul, and noted characteristically that "Saint Thecla is a great Saint, but greater than her is her elder, the Apostle Paul. I always like Saint Thekla to be painted with the Apostle Paul. Because from the early years of the Church it seems that Orthodox spirituality, life in Christ, is always handed down.”