29.05.2026
Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi on the strong spiritual ties of the Vatopedi Orthodox Monastery with Serbia
29.05.2026
The departure of the Holy Belt from Mount Athos, 2026. The Mother of God relic from the Vatopedi Shrine in Serbia
A large spiritual gathering was held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica on the occasion of the visit of the Patriarch of Serbia, His Holiness Porphyrios, and the Abbot of the Vatopedi Orthodox Monastery, Elder Ephraim, to the capital of Montenegro. After the Patriarchal and polyarchaeological Divine Liturgy, a spiritual talk by Elder Ephraim followed in the packed crypt of the Cathedral, in the presence of the Patriarch of Serbia, His Holiness. Porphyrios, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Seaside Mr. Ioannikios, Archbishop of Sydney and Wellington and Metropolitan of Australia and New Zealand Mr. Silouan, Bishop of Dioclea Mr. Paisios, clergy, monks, nuns, representatives of state authorities and the diplomatic corps and a multitude of believers. Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi, among others, referred to the virtues of obedience, prayer, and repentance.
The Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos returned on Saturday afternoon (06/06/26) to the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, where it is being treasured, after 18 days of stay and blessing in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade.
Speech by the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, which took place in the Crypt of Saint Sava under the Cathedral where the pilgrimage of the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos takes place. The Patriarch of Serbia, Mr. Porphyrios, welcomed the Elder, thanking him once again for the great blessing of bringing the Holy Belt to Serbia. In the crowded crypt, Elder Ephraim referred to the Holy Belt and its miracles, to life on Mount Athos and the presence of the Virgin Mary in Her garden. He also referred to meetings with great spiritual figures of Orthodoxy, conveying with spiritual words the Athonite testimony.
29.05.2026
Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi on the strong spiritual ties of the Vatopedi Orthodox Monastery with Serbia
29.05.2026
The departure of the Holy Belt from Mount Athos, 2026. The Mother of God relic from the Vatopedi Shrine in Serbia









