Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi: "Lessons from the Life of Saint John of Kronstadt"

With a large turnout of believers, despite the heavy rain, on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Church of Saint Demetrius of Tambouria in Piraeus, the spiritual speech of the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, on the topic: "The Memoirs of Saint John of Kronstadt", effectively inaugurating the festive events "DEMETRIA 2026".

Elder Ephraim presented characteristic excerpts from the autobiographical texts of Saint John, which reveal his inner life, spiritual struggles, human weaknesses and, most importantly, his deep repentance. As he pointed out, holiness is not associated with a flawless human path, but with the constant effort to return to God.

He placed particular emphasis on self-reproach, the honest recognition of personal errors, as well as the struggle against hardness of heart, selfishness and the desire for human recognition. Through the Saint's confessions, among other things, the sensitivity of his conscience towards the poor and the sorrow he felt every time he gave in to anger or did not act with love were highlighted.

“The Church does not offer moralism, but sanctification,” Elder Ephraim emphasized, highlighting repentance as the path of spiritual rebirth. At the same time, he reminded that repentance is not a momentary act, but a continuous process of self-knowledge, humility and return to the will of God.

In conclusion, he highlighted the importance of self-reproach as a practical expression of humility, calling on believers to first look at their own mistakes and to cultivate in their hearts love and compassion for their fellow man.