Holy Archangels Monastery Hosts 5th Monastic Synaxis, Abp. Elpidophoros Honors Legacy of Gerondissa Taxiarchia

The 5th Monastic Synaxis at Holy Archangels Monastery. Photo: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

KENDALIA, TX — The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America recently announced the successful completion of the 5th Monastic Synaxis, held at Holy Archangels Monastery in Kendalia, Texas. Presided over by His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America, the Synaxis brought together monastics from across the country to reflect on the life and spiritual legacy of the ever-memorable Gerondissa Taxiarchia, pioneer abbess and spiritual daughter of Elder Ephraim.

In his opening remarks, Abp. Elpidophoros highlighted the recent visit of Pat. Bartholomew and celebrated the elevation of Abbot Paisios of St. Anthony Monastery in Arizona to Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne. The Archbishop also emphasized the central monastic virtue of obedience, drawing upon the life of Gerondissa Taxiarchia as a living embodiment of that ideal.

Sister Ephraimia, a spiritual daughter of Gerondissa Taxiarchia, delivered a moving presentation recounting the Abbess's short yet sanctified life, her spiritual teachings, and miraculous witness.

Arriving from Panagia Odigitria Monastery in Greece, Gerondissa Taxiarchia laid the foundations for Orthodox monastic life in America. Enthroned on July 20, 1991, she began her work in Saxonburg, Pa., with only one sister and a farmhouse. Her labors, rooted in deep prayer and total devotion to Christ, became the seed of the first monastery established in the United States by Elder Ephraim — leading to the creation of twenty Orthodox monastic communities across North America.

Remembered for her clairvoyance, healing, ceaseless prayer, and deep humility, Gerondissa Taxiarchia reposed in 1994, but her memory continues to inspire. She is remembered annually on August 3 — the day of her falling asleep in the Lord.

In his eulogy at Gerondissa Taxiarchia's funeral, the blessed Elder Ephraim said:

“.....even though you have abandoned us in body, our blessed Taxiarchia, you have not abandoned us in soul, for your wonderful counsels remain in the souls of your children. During your life on earth you taught everyone to live in God and for God and to serve our neighbor unselfishly.”

In his address at the Synaxis, Abp. Elpidophoros stated:

By God’s ineffable Providence, she became the mother of monasticism in the New World. This past June, I had the great blessing to venerate her grace-filled relics and to hear from Gerondissa Theophano and the sisters the many wondrous works and miracles that occur there daily.

As a flower transplanted from her monastery of repentance to this blessed land of America, guided by divine Grace and the spiritual discernment of Elder Ephraim, Gerondissa Taxiarchia became an example for all monks and nuns who followed her, showing how to live in obedience, in voluntary exile, in genuine love for one’s neighbor, in monastic simplicity, and in complete dedication to the work of Divine Providence.

The Archdiocese extended heartfelt thanks to Holy Archangels Monastery for hosting the event and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening monastic life in America. The next Monastic Synaxis will convene during the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, Ohio, from June 30 to July 2, 2026.

Previously, UOJ reported that St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, Mich., hosted a presentation by Protopresbyter John Chakos titled, "Elder Ephraim, Among the Saints Glorified: A Remembrance."

Read also