Mount Athos Holds Memorial Service for Elder Jospeh of Vatopedi

Memorial service for Elder Joseph. Source: pemptousia.gr

KARYES — In an atmosphere of reverence, in accordance with Athonite tradition and monastic custom, the 16th annual memorial service for the blessed Elder Joseph of Vatopedi was held on Monday, June 30, 2025.

The sacred memorial service was presided over by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Hilandar, Elder Methodios, accompanied by the Abbots of the Holy Monasteries of Simonopetra, Elder Elisaios, of Saint Gregory, Elder Christophoros, and of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, as well as Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Father Chrysostomos Papadakis, and other Athonite fathers and priests from various Metropolises.

After the conclusion of the sacred memorial service, the traditional Athonite treat was offered at the Great Synodal Hall of the Monastery. In the morning, a hierarchical concelebration was held, with the Eucharistic Assembly presided over by the Abbot of the Great and Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a trisagion was performed at the site where the blessed Elder Joseph of Vatopedi had been buried, and subsequently, the customary monastic meal was served, during which Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi spoke about the blessed Elder Joseph, who was also the spiritual founder of the Vatopedi Brotherhood.

Elder Joseph of Vatopedi was a disciple of Saint Joseph the Hesychast. He wrote the best-known biography of his spiritual father, Saint Joseph the Hesychast: Life and Teaching.

Elder Joseph fell asleep in the Lord on July 1, 2009—his 88th birthday.

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