05.03.2026
"Thus we proclaim, Christ our true God": The Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Vatopedi Orthodox Monastery
09.02.2026
Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi: "from the early years of the Church, life in Christ has always been handed down"
With the participation of a large number of believers, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Vatopedi Metochion of Saint Nicholas in Porto Lagos. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, who preached the divine word, focusing on the Gospel passage and the need for humility, self-knowledge and love for one's fellow man. Elder Ephraim emphasized that selfishness, self-love and greed lead people to cruelty and strife, as we are often "lenient with ourselves and strict with others".
Referring to the need for self-knowledge, he emphasized: “We must learn to know ourselves,” pointing out that when a person recognizes his own weaknesses and realizes how much God tolerates him, then he can show greater understanding and love to others. He made particular reference to the value of patience and the imitation of Christ in trials: “The imitation of Christ is not in joys; it is in trials, it is in adventures, it is in illnesses, it is in so-called failures.”
Concluding, he called on the faithful to cultivate meekness and humility, so as to live in the Grace of God. "Let us ask our Christ, who is our Creator and our Re-Creator, to soften our hearts, to humble ourselves to the ground. And then let us expect God's mercy and embrace all people with the same love," he said.
A special spiritual meeting was held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Vatopedi Metochion of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas, with the presence of Elder Ephraim. With a simple and essential speech, Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi referred to issues related to faith, spiritual life and the difficulties that man faces in his modern everyday life, conveying messages of support and hope to those present. With particular willingness and a fatherly disposition, Elder Ephraim answered people's questions, giving each one a simple but essential speech, through his experience and spiritual path. The presence of the well-known American actor Jonathan Jackson in Elder Ephraim's spiritual speech was also special. The actor, who has spoken publicly about his personal journey and his relationship with the Orthodox faith, was among the audience and, during the meeting, shared moments and experiences from his personal life with those present.
According to the Athonite order and in a climate of devotion, the Synaxis of the Vatopedi Fathers was celebrated on Thursday, July 23, 2026 (new calendar), at the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, with the celebration of a Vigil and a solemn Divine Liturgy. The feast was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos, Mr. Stefanos, flanked by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Karakallos, Elder Philotheos, and the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim. The feast was attended by Athonite fathers, who came to the Monastery in order to honor the memory of the Vatopedi Saints. Hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of Greece and abroad, including Cyprus, Georgia and Romania, arrived at the Monastery to participate in the feast. During the litany, the established feast of Mount Athos was served in the Synod of the Monastery. There, His Eminence Metropolitan of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos Mr. Stefanos and the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi Elder Ephraim addressed the fathers and pilgrims, referring to the spiritual message of the feast of the Synaxion of the Vatopedi Saints. On the morning of the namesake day, the celebration continued with the celebration of a solemn Divine Liturgy. The Eucharistic Synaxation was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos, Mr. Stefanos, flanked by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Karakallos, Elder Philotheos, the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, and Athonite fathers. After the Divine Liturgy, a Solemn Feast followed.
05.03.2026
"Thus we proclaim, Christ our true God": The Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Vatopedi Orthodox Monastery
09.02.2026
Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi: "from the early years of the Church, life in Christ has always been handed down"










