Metr. Apostolos Celebrates Panagia Paramythia at Vatopedi Monastery

Photo: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey/Facebook screenshot

MOUNT ATHOS — His Eminence Metr. Apostolos of New Jersey concluded a multi-day pilgrimage to the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopaidi with the celebration of the Feast of Panagia Paramythia, one of the monastery’s most important commemorations.

Arriving on January 31, Metr. Apostolos was received by Geronda Ephraim and the brotherhood. In his welcome homily, he described himself as “a humble pilgrim in the company of Our Lady,” thanking God for granting him the opportunity to be present at Vatopaidi. He praised the monastery’s hospitality as “a living witness to the Athonic tradition,” stressing that at Vatopaidi, “hospitality is not a simple act, but a functional extension of prayer life.”

On February 1, he presided at the Divine Liturgy in the katholikon, reflecting on monastic life as “the uninterrupted ascent to God through prayers, sighing, and love.” Citing the Athonite tradition, he recalled that “a monk prays for the whole world,” adding that this hidden labor sustains the Church far beyond Mt. Athos.

During the following days, Metr. Apostolos took part in the procession of the icon of Panagia Paramythia, Great Vespers, and daily Divine Liturgies. On February 3, he celebrated the feast itself, honoring the Theotokos as the monastery’s protector and intercessor.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Michael Orthodox Church announced a January spiritual retreat with a Mt. Athos elder. 

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